Parental stress as predictor of childhood overweight in children in Delhi, NCR

Pages: 429-434
Kavita Bhatnagar and Roopali Sharma (AIPS, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh)

Childhood overweight is a serious health condition, where kids weigh above the normal weight for their age. This prepares an early field for diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and various other ailments that are actually related to adulthood. While the problem is global, it is relatively newer in Indian population but unfortunately; it is growing at a rapid rate. Increased consumption of fast food, sugar laden fizzy drinks, lack of physical activity and largely sedentary lifestyle comprising of watching television, playing video or computer games, playing on mobile phones and tablets due to the changing urban lifestyle are the major causes of childhood overweight and obesity.100 children aged 7-9 years staying in Delhi, NCR along with their parents (n=200) participated in the study. The Weight and height of children were measured and the BMI was calculated. WHO simplified field charts were used to classify childhood obesity and overweight. Parental Stress was assessed by Singh Personal Stress Source Inventory (SPSSI). Among all participants, it was found that a large number of children were obese and overweight. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was higher in boys than girls. The levels of stress in parents was higher in case of families where both parents were working. A high level of stress was found in parents of children who were found to be obese or overweight.