Antecedents of Obesity among Indian Adolescents

Description

Page: 130-134

Divya Rani, Neena Kohli, Neeta Verma, and Sushma Tiwari (Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh)

Obesity in all age groups is a public health challenge across all settings. Obesity is a threat for all over the world .Obesity is now classified as a complex multifactorial chronic disease and not just a risk factor for other non-communicable diseases and co morbidities. Obesity, a pervasive global health challenge, carries profound implications for individuals and societies at large. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the significance, determinants, and prevalence of obesity, drawing from an extensive body of research. The prevalence of obesity has surged to alarming levels, affecting diverse demographics worldwide. This epidemic is fueled by an intricate interplay of genetic predispositions, environmental influences, and socio-economic factors. Unhealthy dietary practices, sedentary lifestyles, and limited access to nourishing foods significantly contribute to its emergence. In India, obesity has emerged as a swiftly escalating public health crisis, driven by a complex interplay of factors. Urbanization and modernization have ushered in sedentary habits and altered dietary norms, eclipsing traditional, and balanced diets with calorie-dense, nutrient-scarce options. The causes of obesity encompass a spectrum of factors including a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, absence of breastfeeding or mixed feeding during infancy, inadequate sleep, stress, mental illnesses, endocrinological diseases, medications, immobilization, iatrogenic procedures, and chronic conditions and many more. This surge in obesity not only strains the healthcare system but also amplifies the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, elevating the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. The mental health ramifications of obesity should not be underestimated, as prevailing stigma and discrimination contribute to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and an overall diminished quality of life, resulting in a considerable economic burden.