Slim and Fit Programme

Diabetes

Chennai Slim and Fit Programme

By,
Mr.Manikandan BCom.,M.S.W
Project Officer
WDF/DRC


Overweight and obesity are vital links in the web of causation in most non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes Cancer etc. Due to industrialization and urbanization there has been a considerable increase in the proportion of population which is obese. These changes have trickled down to child population too. Successive studies conducted by the M.V.Hospital for Diabetes and Diabetes Research Centre have proved that there is a growing trend in the prevalence of obesity in urban children, particularly in Chennai.

Childhood obesity is very troubling because the extra kilos lead to many health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, respiratory problems, sleep and eating disorders. Obese children are at a much higher risk of growing into obese adults. They may experience fatigue and emotional problems such as low self esteem and lack of confidence. The important fact is that each child requires proper nutritious food and physical activity to become physically and mentally strong. It is good to involve the whole family in healthy habits. Children are good learners and they often follow what they see. Hence parents must be involved in the process of making their children healthy.

What is obesity ?

Obesity is the presence of excess fat in the body.

* Factors influencing childhood obesity



* BMI-FOR-AGE Percentile (5 – 20years)

* Less than percentile - Under weight

* 5th per to less than 85th Percentile - Healthy weight

* 85th per to less than 95th Percentile - Risk of weight

* 95th percentile or greater - Overweight

* BENEFITS OF NORMAL BMI

* Prevents diabetes.
* Prevents high blood pressure.
* Prevents heart disease.
* Prevents stroke.
* Prevents certain types of cancer.
* Prevents osteoarthritis (joint pains).
* Normalizes cholesterol levels and deranged blood fat levels (lipid profile).
* Increases life expectancy.
* Makes you look younger.

* HOW TO PREVENT OBESITY

* Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day.
* Avoid high calorie fried snacks .Eat plenty of fruits instead.
* When thirsty, avoid drinking aerated bottled drinks. Drink more water.
* Play plenty of outdoor games and keep physically active.
* Reduce TV watching to a minimum. Help your parents in household work such as gardening and cleaning.
* Avoid frequent eat outs at restaurants.
* Do not skip main meals. This will help avoid unnecessary snacking.
* Keep to regular meal and sleep timings.
* Parental supervision is needed at most meal times.

* Healthy Tips
Eat Healthy

It’s important that your food choices are nutritionally adequate and low in calories.

* Include cereals, fruits and vegetables with a little fat.
* Avoid sugars, sweets, junk food and deep fried food.
* Eat smaller portions when you feel hungry.
* Drink water with your meals.
* Don’t skip meals to reduce weight.

* Make the Right Choice

* Be conscious of what you eat.
* Avoid munching while watching television or doing other activities.
* Eat slowly.
* Exercise daily and increase your physical activity.
* Check your weight once a week.