Childhood obesity is emerging as a growing public health concern, affecting children’s physical health, emotional well-being and long-term quality of life. Rising consumption of sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, reduced outdoor activity, prolonged screen time, inadequate sleep and changing family lifestyles are contributing to unhealthy weight gain among children and adolescents.
At Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children in Mumbai, doctors have treated nearly 300 children and adolescents with obesity over the past three years, averaging around 100 cases annually. The hospital’s experience highlights the need for early identification, appropriate medical evaluation and sustainable lifestyle changes to prevent obesity-related complications.
Childhood Obesity Increases the Risk of Long-Term Health Problems
Childhood obesity involves more than excess body weight. It can increase the risk of several health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea and joint problems. Moreover, obesity and insulin resistance can affect adolescent girls, sometimes contributing to irregular or absent menstrual periods and features associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Parents should not dismiss these symptoms as a normal part of adolescence, particularly when they occur alongside significant weight gain. Childhood obesity can also affect self-esteem and emotional well-being. Therefore, early intervention should address both physical and psychological health without blaming or stigmatising children.
Childhood Obesity: A Growing Concern in India
Childhood obesity has increased substantially worldwide over the past three decades. In India, estimates for 2022 indicated that approximately 3.4% of children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were living with obesity. National data also indicate that overweight or obesity affects approximately 2.7% of preschool children, 4.2% of children aged 5–9 years and 5.0% of adolescents aged 10–19 years. The burden can vary across populations, with urbanisation, sedentary behaviour and changing dietary habits contributing to the growing concern. Against this backdrop, hospitals and healthcare professionals play an important role in identifying children at risk, assessing related health complications and helping families adopt healthier routines.
Wadia Hospital Highlights the Importance of Early Diagnosis
Dr Sudha Rao, Medical Director and Paediatric Endocrinologist at Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, said the hospital’s clinical experience reflects the growing burden of childhood obesity. “At the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, BJ Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, we have seen nearly 300 children and adolescents with obesity over the past three years, averaging around 100 children each year, or approximately one obesity-related case in every OPD. In our clinical experience, more than 80% of these children have lifestyle-associated obesity, without an identifiable hormonal or genetic cause. “This highlights an important message: most childhood obesity is not caused by an endocrine disorder. Healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and sustainable lifestyle changes involving the entire family remain the foundation of treatment. However, some children need further evaluation. Very early or severe obesity, poor height gain, rapid unexplained weight gain, developmental concerns or unusual physical features may point towards an underlying genetic, hormonal or syndromic disorder.” Her observations underline the importance of assessing each child individually. While lifestyle factors contribute to most cases, doctors may recommend further investigations when symptoms or growth patterns suggest an underlying medical condition.
Obesity-Related Complications Can Begin During Childhood
Dr Rao further emphasised that obesity-related health complications can develop early and may remain unnoticed without appropriate screening. “Insulin resistance can progress to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes; high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol can begin early; and fatty liver disease and sleep apnoea may go unnoticed. In adolescent girls, increasing weight and insulin resistance may contribute to irregular or absent periods and features of polycystic ovary syndrome. These should be viewed as warning signs and not simply problems that will disappear with age.
“Healthy weight management is not about strict dieting or blaming the child. It involves the entire family: choosing more home-cooked foods, fruits and vegetables; limiting sugary drinks and packaged snacks; encouraging daily activity; reducing recreational screen time; ensuring adequate sleep; and creating healthy routines that are realistic and sustainable. “Parents, schools and experts all have a role to play. The goal is not simply to make a child lighter, but to help children grow into healthier, happier adults with a lower lifetime risk of disease. Childhood obesity is preventable and treatable, but early recognition, timely screening for complications and strong family support are essential.”
Wadia Hospital Introduces a Dedicated Childhood Obesity Clinic
To strengthen care for children affected by obesity, Wadia Hospital has introduced a dedicated multidisciplinary obesity outpatient department (OPD). The clinic operates every Saturday from 2 pm to 5 pm, providing an opportunity for children and families to seek professional guidance and appropriate assessment. The hospital is also conducting research on metabolic syndrome associated with obesity. This work aims to support a better understanding of metabolic complications and the health risks that children with obesity may face.
Family Support Is Essential for Managing Childhood Obesity
Dr Minnie Bodhanwala, CEO of Wadia Group of Hospitals, emphasised the importance of addressing childhood obesity through early intervention, family support and awareness. “Childhood obesity requires early attention and support rather than blame or stigma. We are committed to helping children and families understand the importance of healthy food, regular activity, adequate sleep and timely medical guidance for long-term health,” she concluded. As per the press release, tackling childhood obesity requires a coordinated effort involving families, schools and healthcare professionals. By encouraging balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and timely medical assessment, communities can help children develop healthier habits and reduce their risk of long-term complications.