Although childhood obesity is on the rise, with an increasing number of school-going children being overweight, doctors say the biggest problem is seen among early adults — those between the ages of 18 and 25.
On the occasion of World Anti-Obesity Day on November 26, doctors across the city spread the message of effective control and management of obesity.
In younger people, it is easier to try and manage obesity with lifestyle modification, they said. “In some cases, where these modifications do not work as easily, medical management is recommended,” said Rajkumar Palaniappan, director and senior consultant surgeon, Institute of Bariatrics, Apollo Hospitals.
“In people who are moderately obese, medicines like orlistat and phentermine work in 70 per cent of the cases. For people who are severely obese, the success rate is 30 per cent and in people who are morbidly obese, these medications work in 10 per cent of the cases,” said Dr. Rajkumar.
However, most people consult the doctor only when it’s too late. “If someone has been putting on weight consistently for three months, without any major change in lifestyle, then it is time to visit the doctor even if the person looks lean,” he said.
In many cases, it is a hormonal problem that causes weight gain, and should be looked into as soon as possible, he said.
According to Mohan Rao, senior consultant laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at Fortis Malar Hospital, one of the best ways to control obesity is to start at a young age.
“Currently, most people who undergo bariatric surgery are middle-aged, but since childhood obesity is on the rise, the population will develop diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, infertility and hypertension at a younger age,” he said.
Teaching children to exercise more and eat better will help them in adulthood, he said.
