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Obesity is one of the major health crises. It is one of the biggest risk factors for major chronic diseases ranging from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases to some cancers. According to a May 2025 report by the World Health Organization, the estimated number of overweight children under 5 years of age is 35 million worldwide in 2024. While according to the World Heart Federation, the total estimated number of overweight and obese children is around 2.3 billion.
Also read: Is childhood obesity inherited? Pediatrician Explains Do Genes Really Matter?
To understand what is causing these worrying figures, HT Lifestyle got in touch with Dr Manjula Sridhar, nutritionist at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai, who revealed that bad habits are to blame.
What is the cause of obesity?
“Obesity is the result of both excess dietary energy (from abnormal consumption patterns) and low energy levels (from inadequate physical activity),” he revealed, the major culprits behind obesity.
The nutritionist further said that India too is witnessing an increase in the cases of obesity, especially among young children. “India has seen a huge increase in the cases of overweight and obesity, especially among children,” he said.
According to a September 2025 UNICEF report, more than 27 million children and adolescents (aged 5 to 19) in India are projected to be obese by 2030, accounting for 11 percent of the global burden.
what to eat?
Along with exercise, diet is also a way to lose weight. By eliminating unhealthy foods and including nutritious foods, a person can effectively manage weight and get back to a healthy body mass index (BMI) range.
The nutritionist’s recommendations included seeds, green vegetables, lean meat and pulses.
“Eat a serving of chia seeds that can account for 40% of your daily fiber intake, fish like salmon, sardines and tuna with omega-3 fatty acids, dark leafy green vegetables that reduce the risk of cancer and inflammation, whole grains, egg whites and avocado to keep you feeling full,” she recommended, which also contains essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats.
Another concern is overeating due to hunger pangs. The solution is to eat food that controls appetite. Suggesting foods that help suppress appetite, Dr. Sridhar said, “Include leafy greens like kale, spinach and collard greens. Also include green leafy vegetables which are rich in fiber and nutrients to fill and hydrate the body. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage make you feel full as they are rich in fiber. Moderate intake of kidney beans, black beans, lentils and nuts also helps in weight loss. “Can help reduce.”
Adequate protein intake is also necessary. Recommending some sources, he says, “For meat eaters, lean red meat and chicken breasts are the best foods low in saturated fat and rich in iron and protein. You can also add cheese to keep your stomach full.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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