· BMI check of almost 450 students performed, keeping in mind the fact that India is the third most obese country in the world
Ghaziabad, 19th August 2016: As the rate of childhood obesity is approaching a plateau in western high-income countries, according to the World Health Organization, the trend is rapidly increasing in developing Asian countries like India and China.
To help young minds understand what a balanced diet is, and to establish a firm foundation on which they can build healthy eating practices, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad, conducted a health-awareness session at Shivoy School, on August 3 & 4, 2016. The session focused on health-related issues that are faced by underweight and overweight children. A BMI-check camp was organized where the screening of 450 students was done.
Ms. Aditi Sharma, a dietitian with Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad, also counseled students of class IX to XII on what a healthy weight for their height was, as well as what foods to incorporate in the diet, what they could eat in moderation, and what they should totally avoid.
India, which is already is the third most obese country in the world, is showing increasing incidence of over-weight children and adolescents in urban areas. Latest estimates show that the prevalence of obesity among adolescents (13-18 years) has grown from 16% to 29% over the last five years.
Speaking about this session, Aditi said, “Obesity is not only about eating fatty foods. The lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, stress especially during exam time, the lack of sleep, or a combination of these factors, all feed into it. Only in rare cases is being overweight caused by a medical condition such as a hormonal problem. A physical exam and some blood tests can rule out the possibility of a medical condition as the cause for obesity. Today, a high BMI is linked to glucose intolerance even in adolescents and young adults. Parental food choices significantly modify child food preferences. So to a great extent, parents need to be good role models.”
Tips by Aditi to help your child:
•Encourage healthy eating that provides overall nutrition to a growing child.
•Start the day on a healthy note, with a breakfast of healthy carbohydrates (cereals) and proteins (milk and its products, eggs, and pulses).
•Eliminate transfats (such as oil used in shops which repeatedly deep-fry foods).
•Let dessert be a weekly affair rather than a daily affair.
•Give treats that are non-food related.
•Lead by example. If your children see that you are physically active and having fun while you’re at it, they are more likely to be active and stay active for the rest of their lives.
•Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise, like walking, biking, or swimming.
•Be sensitive to your child's needs. Overweight or underweight children may feel uncomfortable about participating in certain activities. It is important to help your child find physical activities that they enjoy and that aren't embarrassing or too difficult.
•Make an effort to reduce the amount of time you and your family spend in sedentary activities, such as watching TV or playing video games.
About Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.
Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. is the only company in India to utilize 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) route in the hospital sector.
About Columbia Asia Group of Companies
The Columbia Asia Group is owned by more than 150 private equity companies, fund management organizations and individual investors. The group currently operates eleven facilities in India and has presence in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Kolkata, Mysore, Patiala and Pune. The company also operates hospitals in Malaysia (11), Vietnam (3), and Indonesia (3). The Indian management operations are managed from its office in Bangalore.