Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /home/yogavan/public_html/wp-content/plugins/unyson/framework/helpers/general.php on line 1275
CHILD - ADOLESCENT OBESITY - Yogavani from Indian Yoga Association

Practice of the Month

Headlines

Celebrating World Meditation Day with the Indian Yoga Association 

On World Meditation Day, the Associate Centres and Member Institutes of the Indian Yoga Association came together to honour the profound practice of meditation. Across various locations, our community gathered to reflect, connect, and deepen their meditation journeys, fostering a sense of unity and inner…

Celebrating 6 Years of Excellence:Indian Yoga Association Gujarat Chapter Foundation Day 

The Indian Yoga Association, Gujarat Chapter, virtually celebrated its 6th Foundation Day on 29th December with the theme Yoga for Lifestyle Management. The program began with a prayer, followed by Mauli Baviskar introducing all dignitaries. The event emphasized yoga’s role in promoting holistic well-being, inspiring…

Geetham Institute of Alternative Medicine hosts transformative sessions 

In December, Geetham Institute of Alternative Medicine, Associate Centre of Indian Yoga Association hosted a series of transformative sessions centered on Varma therapy, which plays a significant role in enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health. The month-long series was conducted by experienced practitioners, each focusing…

Indian ancient Siddhars and the science of longevity: A remarkable discovery byAttangaogam Peedam 

Recent research, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), sheds light on the ancient practice of Attangaogam, Associate Centre of Indian Yoga Association, and its impact on longevity. The study, titled “Effect of Yoga-Pranayamam on Telomere Length in Medical Students,” revealed ground breaking…

Tamil Nadu SCC meets to discuss way forward 

The Tamil Nadu State Chapter Committee meeting was held in World Community Service Centre, Chennai on December 28, 2024, at 10:30am. The meeting commenced with a prayer and meditation session, creating a serene atmosphere for the discussions that followed. Shri Rajeshwari Prabhakaran, Senior Vice-Chairman of…

Enriching programs at Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad 

Throughout December, the Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad, hosted a series of insightful talks and satsangs, focusing on various elements of yoga and spiritual growth. The month began with Elements of Yoga 1 by Smt. Suneetha Sekhar on 1st December, followed by Smt. Harshitha’s session on…

Vedic Kaya Sadhana celebrates convocation ceremony 

The Vedic Kaya Sadhana, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, recently held its convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for its graduating students. The event celebrated the culmination of rigorous training and dedication, with graduates receiving certifications that recognize their comprehensive understanding and expertise…

SSIYRC Students Set World Record inArdha Matsyendrasana 

In a remarkable achievement, 105 students from the Sri Shankari Institute of Yoga and Research Center, Gummudipoondi (SSIYRC), Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, sustained the Ardha Matsyendrasana pose for an impressive 10 minutes, earning them a place in the Worldwide Book of Records….

Sree Bala Yoga Studio reflects on a year of remarkable achievements in 2024 

Sree Bala Yoga Studio, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, celebrated a year of significant milestones in 2024, underscoring its commitment to yoga education and community wellness. The studio conducted two sessions of its 200-hour Certificate Course in Yoga and a 500-hour Advanced Certificate…

Ananda Chaitanya Meditation Center launches in Coimbatore 

The Ananda Chaitanya Meditation Center in Kurumbapalayam, Coimbatore, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association was inaugurated with grandeur on December 20, 2024. The event began with the traditional lighting of the kuthuvilakku by renowned writer Jeyamohan, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination…



Book your PRINT copies

11 Feb 2025

Yogavani

CHILD – ADOLESCENT OBESITY
Articles

CHILD – ADOLESCENT OBESITY 

Dr Sunanda S Rathi,
Director & Managing Trustee, Chiranjiv Foundation

“You must keep a strict eye on your health; let everything else be subordinated to that.” Swami Vivekanand

What is Child Obesity?

Child obesity is a condition where a child is significantly above the healthy weight range for their age and height. It is determined using the body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing a child’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. A BMI above the 95th percentile for a child’s age and sex is considered to be indicative of obesity.

Childhood obesity is a serious health concern that can lead to numerous health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint problems. It can also lead to social and psychological problems, such as low self-esteem and depression.

Child obesity is often caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of physical activity. It is important to address childhood obesity early on to prevent long-term health problems and improve overall quality of life.

Definition of Obesity

Obesity can be described as a “New World Syndrome” causing an enormous socioeconomic and public health burden in developed, developing and poor countries of the world.

Obesity is a state of imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. It is not merely an increase in body weight but an increase in body fat mass percent.

Child obesity is defined as a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on the child’s health.

Childhood obesity is a serious health concern that can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, among others.

Holistic Approach to Deal with Child Obesity

A holistic approach can be effective in dealing with child obesity as it takes into account the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that contribute to the condition. Here are some aspects of a holistic approach to consider.

Tips for Parents

Nutrition: Encourage healthy eating habits. Parents plays a bigger role. Focus on a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Now a days all are health conscious.
Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity and make it fun. Encourage the child to participate in activities they enjoy, such as sports, gymnastics, dance, swimming, running, jogging or hiking. On weekdays parents can accompany it gives motivation. Exercise can improve physical health, reduce stress, and improve mood.


Mindfulness and stress reduction: Along with physical exercises, Yoga helps, teach the child mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental health, and promote relaxation. Our research shows great result.
Sleep: Ensure the child gets adequate sleep, as lack of sleep has been linked to obesity. Encourage good sleep hygiene practices, such as establishing a consistent bedtime routine and limiting screen time before bed. Chanting of A U M is helpful.

Emotional support: Provide emotional support to the child, as obesity can take a toll on their mental health. Encourage open communication and provide a safe space for the child to express their feelings. Don’t criticize, explain the importance.


Family involvement: Involve the family in promoting healthy habits and lifestyle changes. Encourage family meals and physical activities that can be enjoyed together. Involve children in menu planning, they feel part and easy to control diet.


Professional support: Consider seeking professional support from a healthcare provider, counselor, or yoga therapist, dietician who specializes in child obesity. They can provide additional guidance and support to help the child achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
How Yoga Practices Helps to reduce

Obesity


Yoga practices can be beneficial for children with obesity as it offers a holistic approach to physical and mental health. Yoga has become popular all over world. Thanks to our Respected Prime Minister Narendraji Modi who initiated International Yoga Day.
Improves Physical fitness: Yoga asanas or postures involve stretching and strengthening of muscles, which can improve flexibility, balance, and overall physical fitness.
Reduces Stress: Practicing yoga can help children cope with stress and anxiety, which can be a contributing factor to obesity. Yoga breathing exercises or pranayama can be particularly helpful in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Encourages healthy eating habits: Yoga teaches mindfulness, which can help children become more aware of their eating habits and make healthier food choices.

Builds Self-Esteem: Yoga can be empowering for children as they learn to control their bodies and minds. This can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence.

Promotes mindfulness and self-awareness: Yoga can help children become more mindful and self-aware, which can help them recognize and address emotional eating and other unhealthy habits.

Creates a positive body image: Yoga promotes a positive body image by focusing on body acceptance and self-care rather than appearance or weight.
Overall, incorporating yoga into a child’s routine can be a helpful addition to an overall approach to addressing obesity. However, it is important to note that yoga should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes regular activity as an lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

Obesity is not only a physical concept but also involves the state of the mind. Stress levels influence one’s eating habits and lifestyle.

Related posts