Childhood obesity is increasing particularly in urban and peri-urban areas in India. Recent data shows a prevalence of obesity at approximately 16%, resulting in a high prevalence of insulin resistance. Obese children and adolescents are in a substantially increased risk for developing an early-onset type 2 diabetes.
The increasing urbanisation combined with lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet is leading to an increase in obesity. This has led to a dramatic increase in the number of people with diabetes. Obese children and adolescents is an important group affected by diabetes.
A significant number of people in the risk group for diabetes can be prevented from developing the disease through changes in nutrition and lifestyle.
Objective
The project seeks to create awareness about diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders and heart disease in children and adolescents.
Approach
The project is composed by two main components. First component consists of inducing changes at the individual level by targeting children, parents and teachers with a view to inform and encourage change in risk behaviour. Second component consists of changing the environment by focusing on creating a healthy environment at home and at school.
The project will train teachers and student volunteers, who will enhance awareness in children on obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and the consequences of the diseases: blindness, renal failure, heart attacks, strokes etc. Furthermore, children will also learn that the above diseases are originated in childhood, and that appropriate intervention in childhood can prevent the diseases.
There will be an introduction of healthy food in school canteens, labelling with appropriate warning signs on food items sold in the schools and an increase in physical activity during school time.
Parents of children with high-risk characteristics are offered special support on nutrition for overweight children, cooking methods, advice on physical activity etc.
The project tries to ensure sustainability through:
- Continued labelling of the food items sold in school canteens
- Continued awareness raising by 120 trained student volunteers
- Maintenance of focus on exercise by 60 physical educational teachers
- Maintenance of healthy eating habits at home in the families
Expected impact
- 60 teachers and 120 student volunteers trained
- 6,000 students educated through the project
- 8,500 parents educated through the project
- Approximately 1,000 parents of children with high-risk characteristics reached
Results to date
- 9 schools in New Delhi, 5 schools in Agra and 5 schools in Jaipur have initiated Project “MARG”: The Path
- Data collection: 6,986 ‘Knowledge, Attitude and Practice’ (KAP) surveys have been conducted, anthropometric measurements of height and weight have been undertaken in 30,625 children and 405 teachers
- Sensitisation: 146 lectures have been conducted for 16,333 children, parents and teachers. 13,209 booklets and 32 sets of posters have been distributed. Four public lectures on diabetes prevention related issues have been held
- Training: 56 student volunteers and 38 teachers have been trained
- 28 times individualized dietary and physical activity counselling have been imparted
- Activities: Poster-making, cookery activities, drama and quiz competitions, debates and talks have been organised in the schools, disseminating information on importance of nutrition and physical exercise. A walk to prevent Obesity, Diabetes and Heart Diseases was organised; more than 2,500 people, including school children, teachers, principals, elderly people, doctors, sports personalities etc actively participated in the 2-hour walk
- In addition to the originally planned targets, 50 additional schools have been included in the programme (14 Delhi public schools and 36 Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools). Data collection is not done in these schools
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