Young India turns obese

If you’ve been exulting over that lucrative job offer that came your way, replete with a fat pay-cheque and perks, be prepared to handle the “extra baggage” as well, quite literally. In the wake of World Obesity Day, city doctors point out that a large number of youngsters with demanding careers and sedentary lifestyles, who have no history of obesity, are falling prey to this condition and its related health complications. In fact, in the last five years, the number of youngsters approaching doctors in the city for, what is being termed now as the ‘software syndrome’, has risen by 25 per cent.
“With most jobs requiring youngsters to put in longer hours in front of the computer, with little or no time to exercise, there is a rise in the incidence of obesity. Although most corporates boast of state-of-the-art gyms and other facilities to help their employees unwind, often, there is no time for them to even use these facilities,” says bariatric surgeon Dr Nandakishore Dukkapati.
According to medical practitioners, an average person requires around 1,800 to 2,000 kilo calories per day, based on moderate activity levels. However, with an increasing number of youngsters falling into the trap of a sedentary lifestyles, the calorific requirement too has reduced to around 1,500 Kcal. “People still continue consuming more calories than they require. With higher levels of disposable incomes, it has become easier for youngsters to binge on alcohol and junk food. Now 35 per cent of my patients are below the age of 30,” adds Dr Dukkapati.
With the rising incidence of obesity, many are requesting for surgical procedures to get rid of extra flab. “But not everyone qualifies for bariatric surgery. It can be done only in cases of morbid or severe obesity.”
An offshoot of these lifestyle changes is a host of health complications that youngsters have to deal with. From chronic knee and back pain to diabetes and in some cases, cardiac ailments, doctors admit that these problems are increasingly plaguing people as young as 20-year-olds. “Recently, I was approached by a 25-year-old who was experiencing a frequent urge to urinate and was suffering from bouts of weakness. Further examination revealed that he had developed diabetes, with a blood sugar level of 300 and body mass index (BMI) of 30. Surprisingly, the young man had no family history of diabetes,” reveals endocrinologist Dr Ravi Mehrotra, who adds, “They are unable to stick to diet schedules or medication after approaching us.”
Youngsters as young as 25 suffering from cardiac problems is also common now, says cardiologist Dr B. Somaraju. “Last week we had two patients, one aged 25 and the other 28, both IT professionals, who suffered heart attacks. While we could reduce the extent of damage in one through angioplasty, the other came a little late, so damage was greater.”
Software professionals are more susceptible to obesity, says the doctor. “We call it the ‘software syndrome’ now. Physical activity during work hours and exercise time helps reduce this problem. Employers too should encourage them to lead healthier lives,” adds Dr Somaraju.