Risk Factors, Consequences and Prevention Strategies of Childhood Overweight and Obesity: An Indian Context

India belongs to growing economics facing various types of non-communicable diseases including childhood obesity. India has several schemes for reduces the malnutrition of children. But there does not exist any program for childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is one of the foremost serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased at an alarming rate. Effective obesity prevention and treatment in children and adolescents is, therefore, a priority as it is far more cost-effective to prevent the onset of obesity in childhood compared to a lifetime of obesity-associated costs. Childhood obesity is a serious challenging phenomenon affecting all socioeconomic groups, irrespective of age, sex or ethnicity. Aetiopathogenesis of childhood obesity is multifactorial and includes genetic, endocrinology, metabolic, psychological, environmental and socio-cultural factors. Many co-morbid conditions like metabolic, cardiovascular, psychological, orthopedic, neurological, hepatic, pulmonary and renal disorders are seen in association with childhood obesit