mohak bariatrics | childhood obesity Archives

How does Obesity impact Children’s Health?

September 28, 2022

Obesity that begins in childhood can be because by multiple reasons. Overeating, genetics and lifestyle can be some of those. Regardless of the numerous reasons, Obesity grows with the child if not controlled in time. Gradually, it results in multiple chronic disorders like Diabetes.

Causes

There can be many causes that may lead to Obesity in your child. However, poor eating habit is one of the main reasons. Genetics, lifestyle, culture and socio-economic conditions are also responsible for Obesity in childhood. Whatever the reason, your child can still overcome Obesity.

Diabetes and Disorders

Diabetes is a disorder that is commonly associated with Obesity. It is a significant health risk that affects physical and mental health. As a child, it will cut down the life experiences that are a part of building the life ahead. Insulin imbalance can show itself in more comprehensive issues beyond Diabetes. Obesity is also a leading cause of disorders like Asthma, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea and Cardiac disorders.

From Stress to Distress

Not only physically, but Obesity affects a child mentally too. From name calling to feeling lonely, a child may face many things in society being Obese. The trauma from these encounters and treatment can permanently distress children. A child’s mind and body are developing, and proper nutrition is vital for their overall development.

Obesity is not the end. Choose to bring a healthy change today. Most disorders can be resolved with one step toward winning over Obesity. Get in touch with an expert to know more. Give us a call at 62320 12342.

What diseases are obese children at risk for?

November 12, 2020

Childhood obesity is on the rise these days; it has become a severe threat. You might have seen your children sitting and playing video games all day, eating junk, and connecting friends over social media only. All these habits have given a spark to obesity, and now it has reached an epidemic condition.

Obese and overweight kids are at risk of developing several chronic diseases. Co-morbidities and poor health resulting from childhood obesity can continue in adulthood as well. In addition to this, childhood obesity doesn’t affect your children only physically, but it gives them mental trauma, depression, and low self-esteem.

Health risks associated with childhood obesity

Diabetes
Type-2 Diabetes is a medical condition in which your body stops using insulin in the usual way. Children and adults who are overweight and obese are likely to develop type-2 diabetes. Symptoms include blurry vision, frequent pee, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and numbness in hands or feet.

Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which your airway passage becomes narrow, and it becomes hard to breathe. Due to obesity, excess fat around the chest area constrict the lungs and causes difficulty in breathing. This difficulty is not only driven in the daytime but also while you sleep. Such obstruction in breathing makes it hard for your children to have a sound sleep and causes them to snore heavily.

Joint pain
Obesity may result in joint pain, stiffness, which in turn causes difficulty in climbing stairs, and walking. Excess body weight puts a lot of pressure on your knees and contributes to soft tissue damage in joints. Losing weight can eliminate most of the problems or at least mitigate the damage.

Heart disease
Obesity results in high cholesterol which in turn raises the risk of heart diseases in future. Obese children tend to eat foods that are high in fat and sugar; it causes their blood pressure and cholesterol levels to rise. Due to this, in such an early age, they are at potential risk of developing stroke and heart attack.

Childhood obesity is a severe health issue in India. However, with the right education and support, your children can switch to healthier alternatives and cope up with obesity. Their choice of food may change, lifestyle may vary, and they can lose weight by staying active. This support must come from adults and family— their parents, siblings, teachers and caregivers.

For childhood obesity treatment consultation, call on- 6232012342

Childhood Sleep Apnea-Symptoms and Causes

August 31, 2020

Childhood/ Pediatric Sleep Apnea is a condition in which your child experience difficulty in breathing. During sleep, the breathing stops partially or entirely and creates an obstruction. This condition occurs due to narrowing and blockage in the upper airway while you are sleeping.

The most common cause of sleep apnea is obesity. Early diagnosis and treatment of obesity are necessary to prevent any future complications. Undiagnosed sleep apnea during childhood may contribute to day time fatigue and other behavioural problems at school. Also, the children who are found to snore loudly as their parents are very likely to have learning problems. Due to snoring and poor night sleep, they face issues in paying attention in the school and thereby creates a disturbance in the learning process. Cardiovascular problems and delayed growth can also be the result of sleep apnea if not treated and left undiagnosed.

Symptoms-

Symptoms and signs of childhood sleep apnea include-
Snoring
Pause in breathing
Choking or coughing
Breathing through mouth
Sleep terrors
Urination in bed

Causes-

The most common factor underlying sleep apnea in children is obesity. However, other factors, like enlarged tonsils and adenoids, are also prevalent, but the leading cause remains obesity. Due to the lifestyle of today’s child, wherein he is sitting in front of screen playing games and watching cartoons, obesity doesn’t come as a shocker.

Children nowadays seem to be more interested in playing online and video games rather than going out on a playground and play outdoor games. Physical activity is seen significantly less in our generation—which ultimately results in obesity.

Complications-

Pediatric/ Childhood sleep apnea can result in severe complications like-
Heart problems
Type-2 diabetes
Behavioural changes
Failure to grow
Death

For any consultations and suggestions regarding obesity and its treatment, you may call on- 6232012342

Childhood Obesity- Diagnosis and Treatment

August 29, 2020

Diagnosis of childhood obesity is essential at an early stage. If your child is a victim of obesity and gaining more and more weight, it is time to consult an expert. Timely diagnosis and treatment is a must to avoid any future complications.

Diagnosis-
The diagnosis includes finding the BMI of your child. The doctor will calculate the BMI and will tell you whether your child comes under the obese/overweight category. The BMI of 25 and above generally indicates obesity.

Apart from calculating BMI, your doctor will also evaluate the following things-

Any previous medical conditions
Family history of obesity and related problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Your child’s activity status
Overall health condition of your child
Your child’s eating habits
Sleep apnea condition, or any psychological issues like depression, feeling isolated and others

If the BMI indicates your child is obese, the doctor might also suggest for blood tests. These tests might include-

A blood sugar test
A cholesterol test
Vitamin D deficiency test
Hormone imbalance test

Treatment-
The primary treatment for childhood obesity is making lifestyle changes which include changing your child’s eating habits and physical activity level. Encourage your child to involve in outdoor games more as compared to indoor ones. Pack healthy snacks in tiffin and minimise consumption of processed foods as much as possible. However, after a particular stage, diet and exercise don’t work for obesity. Medications and weight loss surgery becomes the only option.

Weight loss surgery or Bariatric surgery is an ideal option as it aims to give maximum benefits in the minimum time. According to research, adolescents who go through bariatric surgery, get excellent results in weight loss and lead a healthy life post-surgery. Dr. Mohit Bhandari has performed bariatric surgery on a 6-year-old boy in 2013, the youngest person on record to receive such surgery in India.

To book an appointment with Dr. Mohit Bhandari for consultation on weight loss surgery, please call on- 6232012342

Childhood Obesity in India: How to Prevent your Child from Becoming a Victim

July 22, 2020

Childhood obesity has emerged as an epidemic condition and there seems to have no control over it. In the year 2000, a report given by International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) showed that about 10 percent of children in India aged between 5 and 17 were overweight (nearly 155 million), out of which 3 percent were obese (30-45 million).

India has recorded the second most number of obese children in the world while china being at first. Keeping in mind the current COVID-19 scenario that has forced children to sit at home and indulge in all sorts of junk food, becoming lethargic and spending most of their time in front of screens—obesity has become a giant monster.

The government of India (GOI) had set targets in recent years to halt the prevalence of diabetes and obesity by 2025.

Among the reasons for Childhood Obesity are increased intake of – fast food, processed food, and all the fatty foods that don’t offer any nutritional value to your children. To add to this, the replacement of outdoor activities by digital screens in the time of corona is a big contributor to obesity in children nowadays.

Prevention of childhood obesity-

Before your child becomes a victim of childhood obesity, start taking preventive measures. Here are some of the tips and recommendations that might help you-

A daily walk or bicycle routine instead of letting them slouching the whole day.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Limiting the screen time of children.
Encouraging a healthy diet and nutrition.
Preparing your child’s meals in advance.
Don’t let them binge eat.
Some sort of physical activity daily.
Teach your children the benefits of exercise, yoga, and nutrition.
Make them aware of childhood obesity.
Restricting the availability of junk foods at home.

Obesity has to be controlled, and the Indian government should proactively ban some of the most harmful fast foods that promote obesity. Parents should also have to educate their children about a healthy diet and nutrition to tackle this serious issue.

Prevention, as well as timely treatment of overweight and obesity in childhood, is necessary as these children are likely to become obese adults later on. Check the BMI of your children and ask the experts for an effective weightloss method. Call for a consultation on- 6232012342

Childhood Obesity: Causes, Implications, and Preventions

July 16, 2020

Childhood obesity is increasing at a hasty rate in India, obviously due to unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and increased screen time. Remember the days when children used to go out and play outdoor games? Sad that the scenario has changed and children nowadays like to stay indoors with their virtual friends and prefer to play PUBG instead of Kho-Kho or Hide and Seek.

Childhood obesity is a serious and complex health concern. It occurs when a child has a weight more than his normal or healthy weight. Excess weight that is more than his age and height contributes to childhood obesity. Genetics and community choices are also one of the main reasons behind childhood obesity.

Causes-

Consuming a high-calorie diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Increased screen time
Lack of proper sleep
Not getting enough physical activity
Increased beverages intake
Junk Food

Implications-

Children who are overweight and suffering from childhood obesity are more likely to develop-

High blood pressure and high cholesterol problems
Risk of cardiovascular diseases at an early age
Asthma
Sleep apnea
Breathing issues
Incorrect posture
Joint problems
Type-2 Diabetes
Low self-esteem and low self-confidence
Anxiety and stress issues
Hypertension

Preventions (tips for parents)-

Focus on healthy meals and snacks. Develop a healthy meal plan and stick to it. Make sure that every member of your family follows a healthy diet plan as children tend to learn from their surroundings only. They will follow you.
Get involved in some kind of physical activity daily with your kids. It can be simply playing a game of football, walking around, or skipping a rope.
Limit the screen time of your children. Set a time. It can be one hour or two in a day. Sit with your children and watch their favorite show and have fun with them. So, they enjoy their time at the most.
Educate your children about nutrition and its importance. Encourage them to try a variety of healthy foods and figure out what they like.

Conclusion-
Childhood obesity, if identified earlier, can be prevented. But if it reaches a stage when it gets uncontrolled and exercises, diet doesn’t work for your children, Bariatric Surgery comes to the rescue.

It is a weight-loss procedure that aims to reduce the size of the stomach so that a patient eats less. Bariatric Surgery gives permanent results, and it is a proven and effective method of weight loss.

For any further consultation and suggestions, please call on- 6232012342

Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics Performs the Miracle Weight Loss of Little Zoya

January 10, 2019

“Giving Hope with New Life”

The youngest to undergo bariatric surgery for the second time, 8-year old Zoya Khan was smiling as she was wheeled into surgery because she was about to get a new life and hope. Zoya gained weight again after her first surgery and became 37.9 kg, almost 15 kg more than other children of her age, when her parents decided on the second surgery.

The second surgery was performed at MPCT Hospital, Mumbai by India’s one of the best bariatric surgeon Dr. Mohit Bhandari, also the Director of Mohak Bariatrics & Robotics Centre.

BEFORE THE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

In November 2011, Zoya underwent the first sleeve gastrectomy, which involved reducing the size of the stomach and stapling it. She was only 11 months old then and weighed 19 kg. After an initial weight loss, she continued to gain weight because of her uncontrollable eating.

Zoya’s diet consisted of tea and biscuits twice a day, daal, rice, vegetables and chapati four times a day. Her rice consumption during each serving would be like an adult. In between the meals, Zoya would eat chips, biscuits, chocolates and ice cream.

IT’S ALL ABOUT BABY STEPS!

After the revision surgery, which involves further reducing the size of the stomach and putting a non-adjustable silicon ring around it so that it does not expand, Zoya lost 7.6 kg in just 20 days and is now learning to walk. According to Dr. Mohit Bhandari, Zoya could have developed active chest infections, severe sleep apnea and would have become completely immobile and unable to walk later if there had been a delay in performing revision surgery.

Dr. Bhandari says, “Zoya will lose another 7-10 kg gradually over next 3-6 months and will be able to walk normally and go to school soon.

Zoya is currently walking for the first time with the help of a walker and taking a liquid diet involving juices, soups, milk, and pureed food.

DISAPPEARANCE OF SLEEP APNEA PROBLEM

Little Zoya was also suffering from sleep apnea due to her obesity issues, which has now successfully disappeared after the revision surgery. She doesn’t snore anymore and neither does she wake up due to breathlessness.

SPREADING SMILES CONTINUED…

Mohak Bariatrics & Robotics started a new year by giving new life with new hope to little Zoya and living up to the motto of “Spreading Smiles”. To learn more about the bariatric surgeries or book an appointment, please visit http://newsite.mohakbariatrics.in/

Childhood Obesity Treatment in Summer

May 12, 2017

Children are most likely to gain weight in summers. Inactivity, disturbance in routine life and excessive intake of sugary beverages are major reasons of weight gain. It is also observed that screen time (time spent in watching TV, playing video games or on computer/mobile) and binge eating is increased to a certain level during summers. These things significantly contribute in weight gain of a child. So this is the time when parents should be alert and precautious to keep their child fit and fine.

Problems that an overweight child faces during summer –

Excessive sweating
Early tiring
Skin diseases
Increased chances of depression due to inability to play like other kids
Imbalance in sugar and salt balance in body
Probability of gaining more weight
Eating disorders

Why summer is the right time for treatment of Obesity for Children –

It is the time when they are having school holidays
They get enough time to recover from a surgery
Good time to set up a new healthy lifestyle as per the instructions of dieticians and physiotherapists
Surgery can be easily kept as a secret of holidays
Child would get the time to deal with mental and emotional changes

Is Bariatric Surgery safe for Children?

Bariatric Surgery is completely safe. Dr. Mohit Bhandari has performed bariatric surgery on a 6-year-old boy in 2013, the youngest person on record to receive such surgery in India. There are few points that should be taken care –

Choose an experienced Bariatric Surgeon for Children
Train your child’s mind before surgery
Check the amenities available at Hospital for emergency
Meet the Team of Surgeon, Dietician & Physiotherapist
Work on psychological part post surgery
Embrace new & healthy lifestyle at Home
Learn to prepare healthier and interesting food

Considering the child’s safety and intricacies, Mohak Bariatric & Robotics is the only center that offers special services for child, before and after bariatric surgery –

Special Child Nutritionist & Weight Care Clinic
Child Psychologist for Better Understanding
Separate Bariatric Team & Paediatricians for Adolescent Care
Support Team for Post Surgery Care of Adolescents
Continuous Growth Monitoring throughout the Weight Loss Journey

Is Bariatric Surgery safe in Childhood?

July 16, 2016

The complete ecosystem in which children are conceived, born and raised is responsible for childhood obesity. Bariatric surgery is performed to change the body metabolism which is root cause of obesity and various other diseases associated with it like diabetes, blood pressure, knee pain, etc.

What is childhood obesity?

Obesity is curse at any stage of life, but the worst of them all is childhood obesity. Childhood obesity restrains a child from living his life to the fullest. In the era of junk food, the number of overweight kids is continuously rising.

With modernization, children usually spend most of their time in playing video games, surfing internet and watching television. A drop in the activity level and an unmonitored diet plan leads to obesity in children apart from genetic factors. Children whose parents or siblings are obese are at an increased risk of becoming obese. Childhood obesity is not incurable; it can be treated with bariatric surgery, proper care and precaution.

Effects of obesity on children

Childhood obesity can have a long lasting impact on the child, like:

Insulin resistance
Development of heart diseases
Degenerative joint diseases
Psychological disorders
Sleep apnea
Some cancers
Disabilities
Hampers quality of life

To overcome all these medical conditions emerging as a result of obesity it is essential to treat obesity. Bariatric surgery is the surgical cure for obesity, doctors usually go for surgery when children become extremely obese and nothing else seems to work.

How safe is bariatric surgery for children?

Childhood obesity is a complex medical condition that drastically amplifies the risk of various co-morbidities associated to obesity. Perhaps the child may have tried various weight loss measures without success. Bariatric surgery is a safe medical procedure that can help overweight kids in achieving healthier life and manageable weight when combined with several lifestyle changes.

At Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics, Dr. Mohit Bhandari has performed bariatric surgery on a 6-year-old boy in 2013, the youngest person on record to receive such surgery in India. He has also performed bariatric surgery on many teenager patients. To book an appointment with Dr. Mohit Bhandari, click here.

Tag: childhood obesity