Expressing concern over the increasing number of people suffering from obesity, experts in the city say that 55 million people in India are obese and Chennai contributes a large chunk.

“Obesity is a disease and there are so many reasons behind obesity, like metabolic disorder, genetic problems, excessive inactivity and consumption of excess calories,” doctors observe, adding that obesity is also linked to a number of diseases like diabetes and heart ailments.

A study conducted by a diabetes research centre among a group of 2,000 men and women in Chennai placed 21.7 per cent, 45.4 per cent and 60 per cent of the 2,000 samples in normal, overweight and obese categories.

Urban lifestyle is behind the disorder that could double the chances of developing heart attack and increase the chances of having diabetes by five times, compared to those without the syndrome, the study said.

Nutritionists say that it is necessary to address the problem of obesity at an early age and during adolescence for two reasons: It is easier to inculcate healthy lifestyle practices and the outcomes are better in adults not obese when they were young.

They also warn that without immediate intervention, a huge chunk of children below 15 years of age will be victims of heart diseases and other non-communicable diseases by 2020.

“Childhood obesity is a multi-factorial problem which is largely influenced by urban lifestyle, heredity and peer pressure.

If kids develop a healthy lifestyle, it is likely to become a foundation for their adult behaviour,” says nutritionist Kumudha Anand.

Nutrition education at a young age is the key element in promoting healthy lifestyles and eating behaviours, she added.