10-percent of teenagers of elite schools in Amritsar found to be "Obese"

AMRITSAR: With an aim to 'catch them young' and nip in the bud the root cause of multiple problems in adulthood, the "Escorts Heart and Super Specialty Institute" conducted a "special survey" on "Obesity –among Teenagers" in 12 elite schools of the city.

Revealing the results, HP Singh Medical Superintendent, Escorts said the survey rang alarm bells on the shocking conclusion that 10 percent of the adolescents of these schools were suffering from "obesity".

The survey was conducted on 1280 students from class 7th onwards to 10th standard in each school.

He further said that 'Obesity was the single most dominant cause of multiple problems in later life. It not only causes early onset of joint and Ostro-Arthritis but was the major cause of heart disease, diabetes, social and psychological maladjustment as also "sterility" especially among males developing low-sperm-count.

The survey found that over indulgent parents who insisted on over-stuffing as also those who curbed physical activity in their wards, were more prone to having children suffering from obesity.

It was also found that burden of studies restricted the time for physical and extra curricular activities in school leading to such a situation amongst those whose domestic pastimes also had little to offer in the form of exercise.

Since the entire sample of students was from economically-sound sections of society the fact that junk food played an important role for these conditions cannot be ruled out, said Dr HP Singh. More than 125 children were included in the sample from each of these schools. The study included both boys and girls. The total sample consisted of 55 % boys and rests were girls. The results were recorded according to BMI (Body- Mass-Index) scale.

The survey found that teenagers from 13 to 16 years of age more prone to turn obese if their parents have not been stringent to bring about changes in their lifestyle and food habits, having satisfied themselves to enjoy their endearing 'chubbiness' as kids.

HP Singh said as a premier health care institute, the Escorts gives a collective call to guardians of children including parents and school to help cut the intake of junk food and in pursuance of this endeavor schools should curb sales of fried food , chips beverages etc offered in its premises .

According to Rajiv Khanna (endocrinologist), 'for kids whose food intake is small but develop obesity, the causes could lie in malfunction of glands like thyroid, endocrinal , pituitary , adrenalin and should go in for detection tests'.

Dr HP Singh also warned against going in for up-market crash diet courses and said only a maximum of 3 Kg of weight loss per month was acceptable as a barometer to maintain good health for the obese.

Obesity is seen to cause not only disabilities, loss of precious human resource, negative impact on quality of life but also spiraling health costs. It is estimated that India was facing a collective economic burden of 0.8 % of its annual GDP on treatment of heart ailments and 1.07% GDP on diabetes treatment.