Childhood obesity has become a pandemic in India. India, with 14.4 million, is the third number of obese children in the world after China. Obesity and overweight are common in children, of whom 15% are overweight or obese. In private institutions serving high-income households, the frequency has risen to 35-40% and is showing an alarming growth trend.

Causes of Childhood Obesity:

Obesity in children is caused by the difference between calories consumed and energy expended. Obesity in Indians is genetically predisposed. The significant increase in childhood obesity is mostly attributed to environmental factors. Economic success leads to a shift in the diet from traditional to 'modern' meals rich in fat and sugar. Sedentary lifestyles and physical activity are declining as a result of urbanization.

Health Consequences of Childhood Obesity:

Obesity in children has important health consequences. Hypertension, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol and triglycerides, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, respiratory problems, mental disorders, and some malignancies are more common in obese children. Two in three obese children will grow up to be obese adults, putting them at risk for adult lifestyle diseases. India is expected to become the diabetes capital of the world.

Obesity Prevention in Children:

According to the World Health Organization, childhood obesity is one of the most important public health problems of the twenty-first century. Preventing obesity in children is very important, especially as we know how difficult it is to manage obesity. Obesity prevention measures

Proven and easy to implement include:

• Increase your fruit and vegetable consumption.
• Reducing the time spent watching television. Overeating is usually caused by eating while watching TV.
• Children are fascinated by television commercials to eat fast food. Sugar consumption should be reduced. Sugar is now referred to as the 'new tobacco' and should be used in moderation by people of all ages. Water is recommended instead of sugary drinks.
• Encourage people to do physical exercise. Due to lack of time and academic constraints, it is difficult to guarantee that children lead an active life. Parents should encourage younger children to engage in physical exercise and older children to engage in 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity per day.

Parents as Children's Role Models:

Children acquire healthy eating habits at a young age. Forced and persuasive/forced feeding often results in poor self-control and later obesity. Parents should ensure that their children eat when they are hungry, without getting bored or tired. Food as a 'reward' should be avoided. Parents eat in front of their children! Consuming more fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts is part of a healthy diet. It is recommended to limit the amount of fat consumed and switch from saturated to unsaturated fats. After the age of two, skim milk is used instead of whole milk. It is recommended to consume fresh food. Fast food is high in sugar, fat, and salt and should only be consumed on special occasions or weekends. Snacking and grazing are two of the most common ways to consume too many calories. Growing youth should have access to healthy snack alternatives.

Children acquire healthy eating habits at a young age. Forced and persuasive/forced feeding often results in poor self-control and later obesity. Parents should ensure that their children eat when they are hungry, without getting bored or tired. Food as a 'reward' should be avoided.