Obese children often face discrimination and stigma, says bariatric surgeon Dr Sanjay Borude at Breach Candy Hospital. This leads to low self-esteem, social anxiety and mood disorders, which lead to overeating, thus leading to a vicious cycle of obesity and mental health problems.
Children with developmental disabilities are at higher risk of unhealthy weight gain than other children, adds Dr. Sanjay Borude.
Obesity is common in children with learning disabilities, behavioral developmental disabilities, and is highest in children with autism, according to researchers from the US CDC, Health Resources and Services Administration.
So, choose healthy foods, increase physical exercise and say no to sweets and chips to prevent obesity in children, says bariatric surgeon Dr Ramen Goel at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central.
