Expert Seeks Efforts To Control Childhood Obesity In The Country

Director, Sir Syed Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prof. M. Zaman Shaikh, has called for concerted efforts to control surge in childhood obesity across the country

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Nov, 2017 ) :Director, Sir Syed Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Prof. M. Zaman Shaikh, has called for concerted efforts to control surge in childhood obesity across the country.

Talking to APP here on Monday, he said the issue should never be taken lightly as it may be a predisposing factor for many diseases in future for the kids, soon to grow as potential human resource for the country.

"Parents should act as a role model for their children in order to prevent obesity," said the senior endocrinologist emphasizing that relevance of World Diabetes Day has markedly grown for Pakistan and its inhabitants.

It is a matter of deep concern that people are largely indifferent towards the issue, he said reiterating that significance of change in existent sedentary lifestyle of the people is very much warranted.

In reply to a question, he said there was need to promote healthful eating patterns, comprising a variety of nutrient-dense foods in appropriate portion sizes complimented by regular physical activity.

This, he said is prerequisite to improve health and to achieve and maintain body weight targets. "These interventions are equally beneficial to attain individualized glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol goals and to prevent or delay notorious diabetic complications," said the seasoned doctor.

Prof. Zaman A shaikh said nutritional needs based on personal and cultural preferences, literacy, and access to healthful foods, willingness and ability to make behavioral changes must not be ignored.

Elaborating his stance on nutrient dense food, he said choice must be based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses and dairy products and options rich in fiber. Regular physical exercise in the form of brisk morning walk for at least 30 minutes, sensible dieting, steady watch on body weight and avoiding smoking are equally important, he said.

"There are three white slow poisons, white flour, sugar and salt that must be used in controlled quantities," emphasized the expert. To another query, he said healthy breakfast must be taken to stabilize the metabolism of body and that fruits are an efficient alternative, however, must be taken in original form and not as juice.

The endocrinologist confirmed that anxiety and tension make sugar out of control due to production of stress hormones in the body. Moreover, he said people with diabetes and those at risk should avoid sugar-sweetened beverages to control weight and reduce their risk for heart disease and fatty liver.

Prof. Zaman Shaikh strongly recommended provision for psychosocial care to the people with diabetes, with the goals of optimizing health outcomes and quality of life. He said symptoms of diabetes including distress, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and cognitive capacities must be assessed at the initial visit as well as at periodic intervals.