Childhood Obesity Surges in Maharashtra

HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Aniket Chakraborty May 26, 2025 Arrow

Prakash Abitkar calls it a "grave concern" and urges urgent parental and societal response.

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The state is intensifying screening camps and awareness campaigns across schools.

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Fast food, sedentary screen time, and mobile games are key drivers of the obesity spike.

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Gone are the days of outdoor play — now replaced by phones, consoles, and junk snacks.

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The health department is launching parental education drives and school nutrition checks.

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School health check-up campaigns will also offer diet guidance and activity tracking.

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Parents must be more vigilant, said Abitkar, emphasizing home-based behaviour change.

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The push was announced at Mumbai’s third Global Obesity Conference this week.

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The battle against childhood obesity must start young — and at home.

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