The obesity epidemic
As I walk down the aisle of my favourite book store, the top story in of India’s leading magazine screams out this message:
”URBAN INDIANS ARE GETTING RECHER AND FATTER. WITH 120 MILLION MIDDLE CLASS INDIAN’S OVER WEIGHT. OBESITY WITH ITS HEALTH RISK IS NOW A MAJOR KILLER”
A fortnight ago I was browsing to a women magazines which brought to light the dangers of cosmetic surgery for the purpose of weight reduction. Hey, this is India, is in it? This is the Indian scenario we are talking about. A decade ago we were talking about a malnourished nation, today we are digging into the danger of obesity of the urban Indian population and surprise! Surprise! Surprise!….. not only among others but 17% of all school children suffer from obesity as well! The age at which obesity related health problems, like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc is now decreasing. Simply speaking the population suffering from these diseases now are getting younger and younger.
What is the reason for this seemingly complete turn around of the urban Indian population? Balame it on the affluence after the open market policy, the mushrooming of concrete jungles on the Indian skyline, leaving little space for outdoor activities, the entry of multinational fast food companies-pizza hut, dominos, mc donalds etc, capturing the hearts of young and old alike. Numerous hours spend in front of the tv, computer screen and increase automation can all be held responsible for the current scenario. The Indian obesity scene is fast catching up with the western world.
As we approach the world health day on the 7 of april, the Indian statistics are glaring- India ranks among the top ten obese nation in the world, 120 million urban Indians are seriously obese, 50% urban women above 35 have unhealthy body shape, 1 out of 10 urban Indian children is over weight. 35 million diabetic in India and a 33% rise in heart disease, mostly due to obesity. The list of problems is getting longer with each year.
A wise men once said prevention is better then cure. We the health professional-your dietician, fitness trainers, personal trainers, yoga gurus, coaches are in the business of preventing health problems by encouraging the masses to be more active. Also, existing health problems can be in better control or sometimes eliminated through a daily routine of physical activity. The American college of sport medicine has now ruled that a minimum of one hour of physical activity, most days of the week is required by all individual health problems at bay!
In this series of cardio vascular activities to keep your waistline down and your heart ticking fine and well in to your advanced years. Some other options that adults and children can both avail of are outdoor activities like active sports of tennis, cricket, basket ball, foot ball etc. cycling, running, swimming, martial arts, dancing,etc can also form not only apart of your exercise routine but also a leisure activity that you can engage with your children. As far as children are concern, adults should lead by example, by eating clean food and staying active. After all we owe it to our nation to bring forth a healthy generation of active citizens and not fat slogs ridden with diseases.
Bottom line- lets get moving and teach our children to value their health and well being for a fit nation is a progressive one! Cheers!!
All Rights Reserved. (C) Tushar Ramanan
Latest posts by Tushar Ramanan
- Fitness mistakes you do not want to make! - April 28th, 2009
- ABC of Vibrant Health - April 26th, 2009
- Workouts to suite your style - April 26th, 2009
- The World Health Day - April 25th, 2009
- Use of steroids and dangerous supplements among gym boys - April 24th, 2009
- Do not Age! - April 21st, 2009
- Foods –your best medicine - April 20th, 2009
- Smile and grow thin! - April 17th, 2009
- Kicking into action - April 16th, 2009
- Fitness Advice You cannot Ignore - Fitness trainer and you - April 14th, 2009