Obesity levels less in Hyderabad, 20 per cent of children overweight

On World Obesity Day observed on October 26 the survey found that 30 million people in India are obese. A person is considered obese if his Body Mass Index is above 30. They are categorised as morbidly obese which means that they have to lose at least 30 to 40 kg or otherwise they are likely to develop problems like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbances and respiratory issues.

Studies show that 15 to 20 per cent of children are overweight and 30 per cent of them are at risk of falling in the obese category. Dr Rajneesh C. Reddy, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at Apollo Hospitals said, “The incidence of childhood obesity is 20.6 per cent in boys and 18.3 per cent in girls. The reasons are lack of physical activity, electronic entertainment, junk foods and an idle lifestyle.”

The problem is also increasing due to dependence on transport systems. Dr Venugopal Pareekh, bariatric surgeon at Care Hospitals explained, “Earlier people walked short distances or even cycled five to 10 km.

But now this is almost non-existent. Walking and cycling are very good for weight management as well as to strengthen muscles. Physical activity is a must throughout the day and not just for 45 minutes in the morning.

We find patients who claim that they sweat it out in the gym for one hour but after that they are sitting all day long. This lifestyle is lethal and no amount of exercise will help.”

In a recent survey, 15 per cent of the people said that they did not exercise at all. Dr Pareekh explained, “This is a major problem as most of them are not involved in any activity either due to work or are simply not willing.”

For middle-aged adults, 40 years is proving to be the breaking point if they are not exercising as metabolism slows down but calorie intake continues to remain the same. Dr T. Lakshmikanth, minimal access and bariatric surgeon at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital said, “This phenomenon is seen in women. The combination of slow metabolism, increased calorie intake, lack of physical activity and hormonal changes have a direct effect on weight.”

Too much sitting is also a reason for abdominal obesity. This is found to be one of the major reasons for teenage obesity as students are most of the time sitting at the table and chair either studying or surfing the Internet. Walking every one hour for 10 minutes is important, claim experts as it ensures mobility of the muscles and also makes one flexible.

Patients are advised to act when they see these signs and must try to reduce calorie intake and also choose healthy foods. Apart from this they must also increase their metabolic rate by exercising frequently.

Dr G. Tagore Mohan said, “Diet and exercise go hand in hand and this is what most people fail to understand. They must understand that not only is weight loss important but also improving metabolism as that will give the body strength and also help it to rebuild falling energy levels. To fight obesity and diseases due to aging both these tools have to be used.”