Indian Medical Association to start campaign against junk food in new year

With rising prevalence of obesity in children and its adverse health effects, obesity is being recognised as a serious public health concern. To address this issue on time, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to kick-off a campaign against the junk food in school children from New year. This initiative has been taken up by the IMA across the state. Doctors will visit different schools and deliver the lecture along with the workshop.

Obesity is not a simple problem, it can trigger at least 53 different diseases. Insulin resistance of the body can go haywire causing a major lifestyle disease.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many developing countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2013, the number of overweight children under the age of five, is estimated to be over 42 million. Close to 31 million of these are living in developing countries.

Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Overweight and obesity, as well as their related diseases, are largely preventable.

IMA has around 202 branches across the state, with as many as 37,000 members. "Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or well-being. Childhood obesity also can lead to life-threatening conditions, including other disorders like liver disease, early puberty, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, skin infections, and asthma and other respiratory problems. Prevention of childhood obesity therefore needs the highest priority." said Dr Jayesh Lele, president, IMA, Maharashtra.

He added, "We have doctors across the state and with the help of a dietician and nutritionist we will make a simple diet chart. Through this diet chart children can get all kind of nutrients which are needed. We had also arranged a workshop where we will give a lecture on how junk food is harmful. This is the year long activity and we are trying to cover maximum students."

Dr Sanjay Borude, bariatric surgeon, Breach Candy Hospital, said, "This is the welcome move, lots of schools are now aware about the obesity in children and they also can arrange workshop in the school. But, prevention is always better than the cure. Earlier we used to conduct surgery on children aging between 11 to 14, but now the slowly number is reducing."