Over 40% of children at urban centres do not exercise at all, almost half of the kids tend to indulge in binge-eating, and many of them are overweight or obese.
The lack of physical activity coupled with overeating and a rise in the intake of high-calorie food are leading to a massive growth in diabetes among children in urban India, according to a just-concluded survey undertaken by an ASSOCHAM in wake of World Diabetes Day on November 14.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) under the aegis of its ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation (ASDF) conducted a survey in September and October, on 500 kids in the age group of 10-15 years i.e. about 50 each in 10 urban centres of Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune to ascertain the prevalence of diabetes in urban Indian kids.
Over 40% of children at urban centres do not exercise at all. Almost half of the kids tend to indulge in binge-eating and many of them are overweight or obese. A majority of kids suffer from emotional distress, and stay glued to their gadgets / electronics items like television, computer, laptops, tablets, ipods, video games and other portable digital media players leading to a lack of physical movement, the ability to concentrate, and time spent with family.
The aforesaid findings were rampant in both the sexes almost equally, mentioned another significant highlight of the ASSOCHAM survey.
“The survey results authenticate the prevalence of diabetes in urban India, as a major portion of our population remains at a high risk mainly due to genetic and hereditary factors, urbanization and sedentary lifestyles,” said DS Rawat, secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing the findings of the ASDF survey.
“Ever-evolving snacking trends are leading to a rise in the consumption of junk and packaged food items, which is another significant reason behind the growth in the number of diabetic urban kids. The effects are not limited to just diabetes, but can also lead to other chronic health problems like obesity, depression, high levels of blood pressure and cholesterol, hypertension and others in later stages,” said Rawat.
About 200 children (40%) said that they do not play any outdoor games as they get tired during the school hours, thus preferring to stick to their gadgets and electronic devices and interact with their friends via phone calls, SMSes and chat messengers.
About 350 or almost 70% of the total respondents said they consume only junk food - burgers, French fries, deep-fried chips, other packaged food articles, candy bars, ice creams, aerated drinks and others.
Most of these food items are usually made from wheat flour (maida) and are high on fats and salt, and with physical inactivity, lead to the accumulation of belly fat which is directly linked to metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance and diabetes.
Some of the respondents even conceded that they received poor grades in schools, as they are not able to pay attention and tend to stay absent from school due to frequent health problems. Only about 50 respondents said that they have any regulations at home vis-à-vis eating habits and time spent on gadgets.
Some of the respondents also said they do have a family history of this ailment. (INN)