Need for data to tackle rising obesity rate in kids

Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate across India, and experts warn that the country lacks comprehensive data to tackle the issue effectively.

- RISHITA KHANNA @ Bengaluru

Childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate across India, and experts warn that the country lacks comprehensive data to tackle the issue effectively. While global health agencies have long flagged obesity as a growing concern, India's health surveys largely focus on malnutrition, overlooking the parallel epidemic of over-nutrition. Without region-specific data on obesity trends, policymakers and healthcare officials are struggling to implement targeted interventions.

Doctors point out that tracking childhood obesity—through schools, healthcare centers, and community programmes—is crucial to designing preventive measures before it escalates into a full-blown public health emergency.

"Over the past two decades, urbanization and economic growth have led to a shift in children's eating patterns, with an increasing preference for processed, high-calorie foods over traditional home-cooked meals. Fast food, sugary beverages, and ultra-processed snacks have become easily accessible and affordable, making them a common part of children's diets," said Dr Parimala V Thirumalesh, senior consultant, neonatology and pediatrics, at Aster CMI Hospital. At the same time, physical activity has declined due to the growing dependence on digital devices, long school hours, and limited open spaces for outdoor play.