Pandemic Weighs Heavily On Teens

Many Parents Hiring Personal Trainers, Opting For Surgery To Treat Obesity; Docs Advise Exercise

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New Delhi: A senior lawyer recently took his 13-year-old son to a hospital with the complaint that the boy had gained over 12kg in the last 12 months. The year before that, he had put on only 4.5kg.

When the doctors examined him, they found that the excessive weight gain wasn’t caused by any underlying illness, but poor lifestyle, like reduced physical activity and increased consumption of junk food.

However, this 13-year-old is not alone. The Covid-19 pandemic is fuelling a sharp rise in obesity, especially among children.

Nikita Verma (name changed), who lives in Vasant Vihar, said her friends had recently organised a playdate for children. “I was alarmed to see how all the children had gained weight tremendously in the last one and a half years. Observing the same problem in my two children, we hired a fitness trainer who takes the kids to the park daily in the morning and makes them do exercises for an hour,” she added.

Dr Anupam Sibal, paediatric gastroenterologist and group medical director at Apollo Hospital, said excessive weight gain was fairly common among children as most of them were at home. “All schools are closed and classes are being held online, which has disrupted the normal routine of children. There is no fixed time for meals and physical activity is almost nil. All this is fuelling a rise in obesity,” he added.

“It’s extremely important that parents realise that, more than ever before, a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential for the well-being of children. Parents must lead by example,” said Sibal.