New Delhi: Childhood obesity has been called “one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.” The rise in cases is a pressing issue across the world across all age groups. Poor lifestyle and eating habits have rapidly increasing obesity rates in children, and also impact the heart, kidneys, lungs and muscles. According to a global estimate, around 43 million preschool children (under the age of 5) were found overweight or obese in 2010, which was about a 60 per cent spike since 1990.
Recently, this has become a major issue for many parents in the United States, who are seeking help for a child with obesity, the most widely endorsed treatment is out of reach and it is not the popular weight loss drug Wegovy. According to Reuters, the leading medical groups recommend intensive behavioural counselling that is 26 hours within a year. In this session, they teach children and their families practical ways to eat healthier and indulge in physical activities more.
But these programs are not commonly available and the waiting lists are long that too for several months. As per Reuters, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 1 per cent of the nearly 15 million U.S. children with obesity get this type of structured care.
What is Wegovy drug?
The Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy was approved for adults in 2021 and children in late 2022, offering a highly effective way to lose weight for the first time. It is known as a weight loss drug, which also reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks in overweight or obese adults who do not have diabetes.
Dangers and risk factors of weight loss drugs in kids
Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of the Rang De Neela initiative while speaking to News9 noted, “The US FDA has approved the injection of Semaglutide for obesity for children above 12 years and injection of Liraglutide for children above 10 years. In India, it is not yet approved for children.”
“These days obesity in children is rising. There could be various factors that could contribute to the increasing risk of obesity such as promoting junk food culture, poor food choices, large portion size, limited physical activity, increased screen time, medical history of multiple health problems, and genetics. Some parents often opt for weight loss drugs for children when the health and symptoms start to worsen,” added Dr Kovil.
Side effects of weight loss drugs
According to Dr Kovil, “Taking weight loss drugs at an early age can hamper your child’s health and lead to several health issues. Children might experience side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, belly pain, episodes of vomiting, trouble breathing, constant mood swings, constipation, and difficulty sleeping. Children should immediately consult their doctor if they start to experience these symptoms to avoid further health complications. This can help your doctor keep track of symptoms and deeply understand the effectiveness of the drug on the overall health. Parents are always advised to consult experts or doctors before starting the weight loss drug regime on their children. Taking non-prescribed drugs can be life-threatening and fatal.”
Natural ways to reduce weight in children
Parents can initially try multiple natural ways for weight loss for effective results:
Avoid junk food: It is important to put restrictions or limits on eating junk food or processed foods that are jam-packed with preservatives, added sugars, chemicals, calories, fat, and additives. These harmful ingredients can take a toll on your children’s overall health and increase the risk of developing various health issues like high blood pressure, eating disorders, type 2 diabetes, worsened heart health, and obesity.
Engage in physical activities: Encourage and motivate your children to go outdoors and indulge in fun and exciting physical activities such as cycling, swimming, running, and skipping. More than 30 minutes of physical activity can boost metabolism, help maintain weight loss, and also refresh their mood.
Eat a balanced diet: Eating healthy foods that fulfil their daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, fibres, and antioxidants.
Recent reports reveal that obesity has become a major issue for many parents in the United States, who are seeking help for a child with obesity, the most widely endorsed treatment is out of reach and it is not the popular weight loss drug Wegovy. Expert told News9 that the US FDA has approved the injection of Semaglutide for obesity for children above 12 years and injection of Liraglutide for children above 10 years. In India, it is not yet approved for children. Check how to lose weight naturally Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
