OBESITY IN CHILDREN: PSYCHOSOCIAL DETERMINANTS

Title: OBESITY IN CHILDREN: PSYCHOSOCIAL DETERMINANTS
Chair persons: Indira Sharma, G Gopalkrishnan
Indira Sharma,
Professor Emeritus, Psychiatry, National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Ielhi, India
Email-indira_06@rediffmail.com
Mobile-00-91-9336912685
G Gopalkrishnan,
Professor Emeritus, MVJ Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Email-Sowanasaya@gmail.com
Presenters: Indira Sharma, Kshirod K Mishra, Shruti Srivastava and Rakesh Chadda
Kshirod K Mishra,
Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram, Wardha-442102, Maharashra, India.
Email-“kshirod mishra” drkkmishra2003@yahoo.co.uk
Shruti Srivastava,
Director Professor, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Shahdara,
Delhi University, Delhi, India
Email- srivastava_shruti@hotmail.com
Rakesh Chaddha,
Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email-drrakeshchadda@gmail.com
Abstract
Background
As per latest data from 190 countries, 1 in 10 children (5-19years) are living with obesity, while 1 in 5 are living with overweight, placing them at high-risk for life-threatening diseases
Aim: To study the psychosocial determinants of obesity
Obesity: Parenting and children’s life style. : Dr Indira Sharma
Many mothers cook only 3 meals/ day, instead of 4-5/ day, give pocket money, with which the child can buy food directly or on-line; push the child for studies/ coaching, but not for outdoor sports; and also provide a smart phone and a bike. Thus there is increase use of screen by the child, with consumption processed/ ultra processed and sugary drinks, and little / no exercise, which leads to obesity
Obesity: Schooling: Dr Kshirod Mishra
There is no provision for daily exercise in many schools, as they are running 2 shifts/day, so there is less time; and there is lack of space. Beside the school policy does not exclude unhealthy food.
Obesity: The malady of processed and ultra-processed food: Dr Shruti Srivastava
The market is flooded with processed and ultra-processed food, which especially designed to make it tasty and addicting. Front pack labeling does not help as children/ most parents are neither able to comprehend, not interested in reading it.
Obesity: Government and legal provisions. : Dr Rakesh Chadda
The 2025 UNICEF Child Nutrition Report recommends mandatory restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children. Recently, the Union finance minister in the pre budget session has suggested to the government for higher tax rate for ultra-processed foods, and a ‘health tax’ measure targeted specifically at brands/products that advertise these foods..

Indira Sharma