Childhood Obesity Among Punjabi Children in Relation to Physical Activity and Their Blood Profile

Abstract

The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing during the last three decades and child obesity accounts for nearly 30 percent of all adult obesity. Obesity occurs when a positive balance develops between the energy intake and expenditure. Obese children spend less time in physical activity more time in sedentary activities and rest. Higher amounts of physical activity have the potential to protect against obesity through the maintenance of energy balance and thus prevention of accumulation of excess adipose tissue. Obesity is greater among children and adolescents who frequently watched television not only because little energy was expended while viewing TV but also because of concurrent consumption of high calorie snacks. There is a strong relation of obesity to higher BP and fasting insulin and lipid concentrations in children and young adults. Childhood obesity has emerged only recently in India unlike in the West where it existed for a long time. Obesity in children as young as two years onwards have been reported from the Indian population. Since there is increase in the trend of childhood obesity the present study was undertaken to assess childhood obesity among Punjabi children in relation to physical activity and their blood profile. (excerpt)