When growth becomes a problem

Mehboob, 4, was growing like any child. When he tilted the scales at 39kg, his parents were worried. The boy drew undue attention from neighbours at Mudhol in Bagalkot district, and his parents realised that there was something abnormal about him. Mehboob’s father Yasin is a taxi driver. Doctors that Yasin first approached in Mudhol said they could do nothing about the boy’s abnormal size. Mehboob was one-and-a-half times bigger than normal children his age.

The family arrived in Bangalore, where obesity in children is rather more common. Dr Mala Dharmalingam, professor and head, department of endocrinology, MS Ramaiah Hospital, who is attending to Mehboob, said, “The child is extremely obese for his age. This is a growing menace in cities.

Inactivity in a child is dangerous. We are screening Mehboob to examine the cause of his condition. It could be a genetic disorder, a hormone imbalance, a growing tumour or just an improper lifestyle.”

The child’s parents, both of whom are quite lean, were shocked with their child’s growth. Feeding him every few minutes was troublesome for the family, which hardly earns enough to afford three square meals a day.  

“I work as a driver and only if I work can I feed my family. I have an eight-year-old son who is normal. But as my younger son demands food every few minutes, it is difficult to manage my house. Even for the treatment, I am seeking help from the public,” said Yasin.

Even doctors are not quite sure what course of treatment would be best for  Mehboob. “If it is a genetic disorder, there is little we can do, apart from counselling. The child has been screened for a number of tests, reports are waited. He demands food every five minutes, If he is refused food, he throws tantrums, for which he is being counselled,” said Dr Mala. The family is now seeking financial help from the public for Mehboob’s treatment.