Diabetes Update

MV Hospital Promotes Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Diabetes

Dr Vijay Viswanathan

Hospital for Diabetes & Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai and the WHO collaborating centre in India, launched a campaign titled ‘Campaign on Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Diabetes’ to address this concern. A manual detailing facts and guidelines on prevention of obesity for children was also launched to help cultivate long-term weight control. The manual, an awareness handbook on the subject in the country— Manual on Prevention of Childhood Obesity—was launched by Thangam Thennarasu, Honorable Minister of Education, Tamil Nadu.

Dr Vijay Viswanathan, Managing Director, MV Hospital for Diabetes, said, "The increase of obesity in children in India especially in the urban areas is quite alarming. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on the food habits of children and assist parents in providing their children with a healthy nutritious diet. The manual also has guidelines on physical activity and routines that would not over-stress the child but help stay fit." He requested the Government of Tamil Nadu to support the Institute in performing an impact assessment in the state. The study would form a base for understanding the need for awareness on prevention of childhood obesity and diabetes not just in the state, but for the entire country, he said. "We are planning to submit a memorandum to the Government in this regard and hope to launch the project soon," Dr Viswanathan added.

EH News Bureau