Fatness or obesity is now the most common disorder affecting young people. This happens when you eat more calories than the body is capable of burning. But the problem can be genetic too. Then there are today’s life-style issues that affect our weight. Most of us lead sedentary lifestyles, eat high fat foods, depend too much on our cars and so on.
Hormonal disorders play an important part in obesity as well like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, GH deficiency etc. Not to speak of neurological disorders that can produce an insatiable appetite that naturally results in obesity.
So, what is the solution? Teenage obesity is a great challenge to manage. There is no evidence that any drug treatment is effective in treating obesity in teenagers. Successful management requires sustained changes in lifestyles, with healthier eating and increased physical activity.
Weight loss can be achieved in most young people by avoiding high-energy foods alone. The foods which should be drastically curtailed are high-fat foods, fried foods, foods high in carbohydrates etc. To overcome the hunger pangs brought on by a lowered consumption of food, sip water gradually or take low-calorie and high water foods like vegetables and fruits.
Not recommended for children and adolescents, surgery is indicated only when obesity and its medical consequences are life-threatening.
Obesity is a challenging medical problem and prevention could help decrease the incidences of the co-morbidities associated with the problem.
The writer is consultant Paediatrician at Rungta Hospital, Jaipur