Yoga and Mental Health 

–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.