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Snacking, media addiction cause obesity in kids

The survey conducted by Max Hospital on 1,000 parents of overweight and obese children in the national Capital suggested midnight munching and media addiction go hand in hand

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Midnight snacking and media addiction has triggered obesity among young kids and teenagers, a survey by a private hospital has revealed. The survey conducted by Max Hospital on 1,000 parents of overweight and obese children in the national Capital suggested midnight munching and media addiction go hand in hand.

"Technology dependence triggers eating pattern among the children and adolescent girls are more addicted to it than boys," said Dr Pradeep Chowbey, Chairman, Department of Minimal Access, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Max Healthcare.

According to the survey, over 50 per cent children access TV, mobile or any other electronic device while eating food, and the usage of electronic devices is highest among adolescents -- 64.4 per cent. On the one hand, parents are using food as a reward/ means to distract their children; while on the other hand, peer pressure, social media and advertising, academic stress and mood swings are playing havoc with the eating choices of the kids.

"Whenever my daughter studies, she uses her mobile phone and during breaks she eats a lot. This has led to an increase in her weight, "said Vibha Singh, a resident of Saket. As per global studies, obesity is no longer a lifestyle disease but is becoming an epidemic. Also, over 55 per cent parents of young children blame safety concerns in public places for lack of exercise among their kids. The survey reveals that only 30 per cent of Delhi NCR's children are active.

Poor sleeping habit is one of the biggest underlying cause of obesity and overweight issues."Youngsters are sleeping late and often resort to midnight binging. They do not burn any calories after eating late at night and during the day, they don't burn very less calories," added Dr Chowbey.

FACT OF THE MATTER

According to the survey, over 50 per cent children access TV, mobile or any other electronic device while eating food. The usage of electronic devices is highest among adolescents, which is 64.4 per cent.

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