Nagpur: Childhood obesity has increased in India in recent years, and experts warn it is a growing crisis. Dr Sanjay Borude, a leading bariatric surgeon and professor emeritus, paints a concerning picture: By 2035, nearly every other Indian adult could be battling obesity.Dr Borude has been practicing for more than 30 years and is a professor emeritus in Sion Hospital and other BMC hospitals. He is one of the founding bariatric surgeons in India and is currently the record holder for operating a 11-month-old baby. Dr Borude is now focusing on in-depth study of childhood obesity. He was in Nagpur to conduct an awareness programme for doctors attached to the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on childhood obesity. Dr Borude described obesity as a full-blown pandemic. “The numbers are concerning. Adult obesity rates, which were a manageable 7-8% in 2010, have ballooned to a worrying 18% by 2023,” he said. This rapid rise signifies a critical shift in lifestyle habits, demanding immediate attention, he added.Dr Borude emphasized on the problem of childhood obesity. “This is where it hits you the hardest. The rate has grown from a concerning but manageable level below 2% in 2010 to a troubling 5% in 2023. But the most alarming statistic is the vicious cycle,” he said. Almost 70% of children become obese during adolescent years, and half of them carry the weight issue into adulthood, he said. Recognizing the lack of awareness among medical professionals, Dr Borude spoke about his initiative, the General XL Obesity Foundation. “About 87% doctors in India don’t know how to tackle childhood obesity,” he said. His foundation aims to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting district-level seminars for doctors. His book, ‘General XL,’ published in 2022, emphasizes his mission to equip doctors with tools to combat childhood obesity.Dr Borude cautioned against a common misconception. “There is a difference between being chubby and being obese. Watch out for signs like excessive eating, difficulty breathing during play, lethargy, etc,” he said.There is no magic pill. The cornerstone of treatment lies in adopting healthy lifestyle habits and regular exercise.
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