Impact of Awareness Program on Prevention of Childhood Obesity among School Children in a Metropolitan City – Chennai Slim and Fit Programme

Abstract

Childhood obesity is an emerging public health issue in developing countries like India, yet combating against under nutrition. An evident and effective strategy is required to tackle childhood obesity. Moreover here it is necessary to consider the perception of obesity among general population. Most of the adults perceive obesity as a positive dimension of health. A school-based mass education programme for children improved their awareness levels about the hazards of being overweight and also the benefits of regular physical activity and right eating habits. However, the improvement was not significant in obese group as they had an increased awareness levels at the baseline compared to others. These higher baseline scores may be attributed to their knowledge acquirement after facing frequent difficulties in performing regular activities due to health disturbances. So a mass awareness program coupled with special motivation sessions tailored for obese children could prevent imminent obesity epidemic.

Keywords: childhood obesity, India, mass awareness programme, metropolitan city, overweight, school children.