CityweliveA recent study conducted by AIIMS Delhi has highlighted a growing trend of obesity and overweight among students attending both government and private schools in the capital.
Funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the research monitored the health profiles of 3,888 schoolchildren aged between 6 and 19 years across various schools in Delhi. Among them, 1,985 were enrolled in government-run institutions, while 1,903 attended private schools.
The study’s outcomes indicated that the rate of obesity among adolescents studying in private schools was more than five times higher compared to their counterparts in government schools.
The overall incidence of overweight and obesity among children and teenagers aged 6 to 19 was found to be nearly four times greater in private schools (46.72%) than in public ones (12.11%).
Carried out in 2022, the study also pointed out the scarcity of national data on how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced trends in obesity and undernutrition.
According to the researchers, the increase in obesity may be linked to poor dietary habits, irregular sleep routines, decreased physical activity, and prolonged screen exposure during the extended Covid-19 lockdown period.
The researchers also noted instances of elevated blood pressure among the student population.
“Obesity — a risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — is significantly more widespread among economically well-off adolescents. It is especially pronounced in younger children compared to teenagers and in boys more than girls. Notably, high levels of metabolic obesity were found even among children with normal or low body weight, particularly those studying in government schools, indicating the need for early intervention. Future research should prioritize the development of effective and sensitive tools for early detection and continuous monitoring. Existing public health initiatives must be reinforced through targeted measures such as ensuring nutritional security, encouraging physical activity, and implementing routine metabolic screenings to mitigate cardio-metabolic risks,” the study concluded.
