Obesity in the pediatric age group is increasing at a very fast pace. In the last two years, obesity has increased exponentially due to multiple factors including the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic which has led to restrictions in physical activity and an increase in screen time.
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Apart from this, stress has built up in pediatric patients which has led to inappropriate eating behaviour including consumption of junk food and binge eating. Obesity also leads to an increase in blood pressure in kids as young as 2-3 years of age.
Due to an increase in weight, the kidney has to work harder which in long term harms the kidney. People who are overweight are at 2 to 7 times higher risk of developing End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). A healthy lifestyle and maintaining a normal weight is the key to having healthy kidneys.
Basic steps to prevent obesity are; limiting junk calories from sugars and fats, increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity.
Preventing obesity in any age group, promoting healthy weight loss and treating obesity can lead to better outcomes in terms of cardiovascular disease and kidney health.
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(Inputs from Dr. Amit Aggarwal, Senior consultant Pediatric Nephrologist Madhukar Rainbow Children's hospital, Malviya Nagar, Delhi)