Childhood obesity in South Asian population

Introduction

Obesity is worldwide health concern, with its prevalence rising steeply specially in low and middle-income countries in the past decade. World Obesity Federation estimates that one in five women and one in seven men - will be obese by 2030.Obesity numbers are expected to double during same year in South and South Asian countries, with obesity in children over age of five estimated to be at forty-five million.

Methods

Relevant articles, full text and abstract pertaining to childhood obesity, pediatric obesity, technology in childhood obesity and specifically articles on obesity in children in South Asian countries were obtained from search engines like PUBMED, Google Scholar and Cochrane data base. The full text relevant articles and abstracts and the cross references after verification suitable to the topic were used to draft this review.

Results

The double burden of undernutrition and obesity poses a unique public health challenge in Southeast Asia. In recent decades, South and Southeast Asia have experienced a period of rapid nutrition and lifestyle transition, leading to a proportional rise in the burden of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The traditional diets of whole grains and vegetables in this region are being replaced by highly processed fast food due to rapid urbanization and westernisation in this region.There is growing and unrelenting burden of health risks in adulthood like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and mental health issues due to childhood obesity. Therapy mainly focuses on lifestyle changes underpinned by underlying behaviour changes, addressing emotional stress and sleep issues, pharmacotherapy and metabolic surgery in certain situations. Personalisation of therapy remains corner stone of therapeutics in childhood obesity.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review aims at addressing the risk factors, complications, treatment and highlights effective preventive strategies for childhood obesity in South Asia.