High dietary intake - a risk factor for childhood obesity

The prevalence of childhood obesity has been increasing during the last three decades and child obesity accounts for nearly 30 percent of all adult obesity.

Obesity occurs when a positive balance develops between the energy intake and expenditure. Frequent intake of meals in large portions and high fat diet are responsible for weight gain.High energy intake related to high intake of fats and oils,milk and milk products, roots and tubers is the major cause for obesity.

WHO reported that lower incomes were associated with lower fat,lower animal protein, complex carbohydrate intakes whereas consumption of total food and animal fat increased as income level went up. Diet shifted toward higher fat and lower carbohydrate content in India due to high intake of dairy and added sugar.

Children who consumed a low intake of fiber rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grain products had increased risk of obesity and other diseases. So it acn be concluded that faulty dietary habits including a preference for energy dense foods, a low intake of fiber rich foods is one of the major cause for weight gain in children and even the forceful attitude of the parents towards their child's food intake impared child's capacity to regulate energy balance.