IMA Maharashtra to organize campaign for obesity

In order to address the concerning issue of rising obesity in children, the Indian Medical Association is planning to start a campaign for the issue.

IMA will kick start its objective by protesting against the junk food served to children in schools.  As a part of this initiative across Maharashtra, doctors will visit different schools. A workshop will also be conducted at the premise along with lectures delivered by doctors. IMA will make use of its 37,000 members in around 202 branches spread across the state.

As implied by Dr Jayesh Lele, president, IMA, Maharashtra in a statement, “ we have given the highest priority to childhood obesity since it is a serious threat, which leads to life-threatening conditions, including other disorders like liver disease, early puberty, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, skin infections, and asthma and other respiratory problems.

More alarming is the fact that overweight children carry the obesity factor right into their adulthood. It can further lead to develop non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.

He added, "We have doctors across the state and with the help of a dietician and nutritionist we will make a simple diet chart. Through this diet chart children can get all kind of nutrients which are needed. We had also arranged a workshop where we will give a lecture on how junk food is harmful. This is the year long activity and we are trying to cover maximum students.", as reported by DNA.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many developing countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2013, the number of overweight children under the age of five, is estimated to be over 42 million. Close to 31 million of these are living in developing countries.