Latest news with #BodyMassIndex
Mint
2 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Govt to track children for obesity with new metric
Next Story Business News/ News / Govt to track children for obesity with new metric Priyanka Sharma The number of overweight and obese adults in India is expected to rise from 180 million in 2021 to an 449 million by 2050. A 2025 Lancet obesity forecasting study projects a staggering rise in overweight and obese adults in India. Gift this article New Delhi: India plans to roll-out a nationwide screening programme for measuring obesity among school children officials aware of the matter said. New Delhi: India plans to roll-out a nationwide screening programme for measuring obesity among school children officials aware of the matter said. Children will be measured for their waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)—a body fat distribution metric calculated by dividing the waist circumference with the hip circumference. This key metric will be in addition to screening school children for their Body Mass Index (BMI), as part of a plan to prevent India from becoming home to the third-highest global obese population by 2050, after the US and China. A 2025 Lancet obesity forecasting study projects a staggering rise in overweight and obese adults in India from 180 million in 2021 to an estimated 449 million by 2050. In March, a government release highlighted that India already ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 14 million children affected. The development comes in the backdrop of growing concerns about youth obesity, with the education ministry communicating this plan to the health ministry for analyzing the outcomes to make necessary policy interventions. With one in five adults in urban areas being overweight or obese, the study aims to check the health hazard before it turns into an epidemic. 'Increased waist and hip ratio in children increases the risk of metabolic activities in children and type-2 diabetes later in life. During childhood they may or may not have indicators of metabolic syndrome but the risk increases significantly in these children in adulthood," said Dr N.K. Arora, senior paediatrician who is the President of AIIMS Deoghar. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses a health risk, leading to serious non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and mental health issues. It also carries a substantial economic burden due to increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. 'School children are often screened for classic BMI standards. So, now, during this screening BMI, waist to hip ratio will also be screened for kids which is a more accurate assessment. Especially for the Indian population, where an "oversized waist" is a common concern," said the official aware of the plan. "It has been found in India that the waist is mostly oversized in the population. So, waist-to-hip ratio is more indicative to diagnose obesity." "The immediate focus is on controlling childhood obesity and finding effective solutions," another official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in January 2025, urged citizens to adopt active and healthy lifestyles and called for a 10% reduction in oil consumption. Last week, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava in a letter proposed that all ministries and government departments display "sugar and oil boards" and print health messages on official stationery to promote healthier dietary habits and physical activity in offices. Dr. Sanjeev Bagai, a senior pediatrician and chairman at Nephron Clinics, highlighted the dramatic increase in childhood obesity, from 4-5% to 20-25% in children aged 15-18 years over the last two decades. "BMI is not an accurate way of measuring obesity. We need a more detailed evaluation which will determine truncal obesity versus peripheral obesity, which means waist to hip ratio." Bagai emphasized comprehensive school screenings that include height, weight, hip-to-waist ratio, BMI, blood pressure, and urine routine. "Each school should be mandated to furnish the record and these children be identified, tracked and monitored." Furthermore, he stressed the importance of integrating nutrition and dietetics into the school curriculum, supervising school meals, and educating parents on healthy food choices for their children. Queries sent to the health ministry and education ministry spokespersons remained unanswered. Topics You May Be Interested In Stay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and United States news. Follow all the latest updates on Israel Iran Conflict here on Livemint.
Mint
2 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Growing obesity concerns prompt roll-out for measuring obesity among schoolchildren
New Delhi: India plans to roll-out a nationwide screening programme for measuring obesity among school children officials aware of the matter said. Children will be measured for their waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)—a body fat distribution metric calculated by dividing the waist circumference with the hip circumference. This key metric will be in addition to screening school children for their Body Mass Index (BMI), as part of a plan to prevent India from becoming home to the third-highest global obese population by 2050, after the US and China. A 2025 Lancet obesity forecasting study projects a staggering rise in overweight and obese adults in India from 180 million in 2021 to an estimated 449 million by 2050. In March, a government release highlighted that India already ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 14 million children affected. The development comes in the backdrop of growing concerns about youth obesity, with the education ministry communicating this plan to the health ministry for analyzing the outcomes to make necessary policy interventions. With one in five adults in urban areas being overweight or obese, the study aims to check the health hazard before it turns into an epidemic. 'Increased waist and hip ratio in children increases the risk of metabolic activities in children and type-2 diabetes later in life. During childhood they may or may not have indicators of metabolic syndrome but the risk increases significantly in these children in adulthood," said Dr N.K. Arora, senior paediatrician who is the President of AIIMS Deoghar. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses a health risk, leading to serious non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and mental health issues. It also carries a substantial economic burden due to increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. 'School children are often screened for classic BMI standards. So, now, during this screening BMI, waist to hip ratio will also be screened for kids which is a more accurate assessment. Especially for the Indian population, where an "oversized waist" is a common concern," said the official aware of the plan. "It has been found in India that the waist is mostly oversized in the population. So, waist-to-hip ratio is more indicative to diagnose obesity." "The immediate focus is on controlling childhood obesity and finding effective solutions," another official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in January 2025, urged citizens to adopt active and healthy lifestyles and called for a 10% reduction in oil consumption. Last week, Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava in a letter proposed that all ministries and government departments display "sugar and oil boards" and print health messages on official stationery to promote healthier dietary habits and physical activity in offices. Dr. Sanjeev Bagai, a senior pediatrician and chairman at Nephron Clinics, highlighted the dramatic increase in childhood obesity, from 4-5% to 20-25% in children aged 15-18 years over the last two decades. "BMI is not an accurate way of measuring obesity. We need a more detailed evaluation which will determine truncal obesity versus peripheral obesity, which means waist to hip ratio." Bagai emphasized comprehensive school screenings that include height, weight, hip-to-waist ratio, BMI, blood pressure, and urine routine. "Each school should be mandated to furnish the record and these children be identified, tracked and monitored." Furthermore, he stressed the importance of integrating nutrition and dietetics into the school curriculum, supervising school meals, and educating parents on healthy food choices for their children. Queries sent to the health ministry and education ministry spokespersons remained unanswered.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Child Growth Chart Calculator UK – Track Your Child's Development Percentile
It's natural to wonder if your child is growing as expected. Thankfully, growth charts make it easy to track development and spot any concerns early. The Child Growth Chart Calculator UK allows parents to compare their child's stats against NHS and WHO growth standards — providing peace of mind and professional-grade accuracy. Child Growth Chart Calculator UK systems have become increasingly sophisticated, thanks to evidence-based tools developed by leading pediatric organizations. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) provides comprehensive growth charts that healthcare professionals and parents can use to track development from birth through adolescence. A reliable Child Growth Chart Calculator UK uses WHO (World Health Organisation) growth standards, which describe optimal growth patterns for healthy, breastfed children. These calculators are available in two main categories: UK-WHO growth charts for 0-4 years and UK-WHO growth charts for 2-18 years, ensuring continuous monitoring throughout childhood and adolescence. Centile charts (also called percentile charts) are fundamental tools that pediatricians use to assess whether a child's growth falls within expected ranges. These charts don't simply tell you if measurements are 'normal' or 'abnormal' — instead, they show where your child's measurements fit within the statistical distribution of children their age and gender. Healthcare professionals plot your child's height, weight, and head circumference (for babies) on these charts during routine check-ups. The charts include several important features: BMI Centile Lookup: Modern UK growth charts include Body Mass Index calculations that account for a child's age and gender, providing more accurate assessments than simple height-to-weight ratios. Adult Height Predictor: Advanced charts can estimate a child's potential adult height based on current growth patterns and parental heights. Mid-Parental Height Comparator: This feature compares a child's growth against their genetic potential based on both parents' heights. Puberty Guidance: Charts for older children include guidance on the onset and progression of puberty, helping identify early or delayed development. Understanding centile results can initially seem complex, but the system is designed to be intuitive once you grasp the basics. Here's what you need to know: Healthy Weight Ranges: According to NHS guidelines, a healthy weight result falls between the 3rd and 91st centile. This means that 88% of children fall within this range, representing normal variation in healthy growth patterns. The 50th Centile Myth: Many parents assume their child should be at the 50th centile (the average), but this is a common misconception. A child at the 10th centile is just as healthy as one at the 75th centile, provided they're growing consistently along their curve. Growth Patterns Matter More Than Single Measurements: Healthcare professionals look for consistent growth patterns rather than focusing on individual measurements. A child who consistently tracks along the 25th centile is typically healthier than one whose measurements jump dramatically between centiles. Normal Variation Range: Approximately 99% of children with healthy growth and development fall between the 0.4th and 99.6th centile. Children outside this range require assessment, though many factors can contribute to measurements outside typical ranges. BMI Considerations: For children and teenagers, BMI is given as a centile because young people are still growing. The NHS BMI calculator takes into account age, sex, height, and weight to provide accurate assessments. While growth charts are excellent monitoring tools, certain situations warrant professional medical attention: Measurements Below the 0.4th Centile: Children whose height falls below the 0.4th centile (less than 2 standard deviations below the mean) may have short stature that requires evaluation. However, many cases represent normal physiological variations such as familial short stature or constitutional growth delay. Crossing Multiple Centile Lines: If your child's growth pattern suddenly changes and crosses two or more centile lines (either upward or downward), this may indicate an underlying issue requiring assessment. Extreme BMI Measurements: Children with BMI measurements consistently above the 91st centile or below the 3rd centile should be evaluated by healthcare professionals. Concerning Symptoms: Seek medical advice if growth concerns are accompanied by other symptoms such as poor appetite, excessive fatigue, delayed development, or other health issues. Parental Concerns: Trust your instincts as a parent. If you're worried about your child's growth despite normal chart results, discuss your concerns with your GP or health visitor. Modern Child Growth Chart Calculator UK tools make it easier than ever for parents to monitor their children's development between healthcare appointments. These calculators use the same WHO standards and NHS guidelines that healthcare professionals rely on, providing accurate assessments you can trust. When choosing a Child Growth Chart Calculator UK, ensure it: Uses current WHO/NHS standards Accounts for your child's exact age and gender Provides centile results rather than simple 'normal/abnormal' classifications Includes guidance on interpreting results The best Child Growth Chart Calculator UK systems integrate multiple measurement parameters including height, weight, BMI, and head circumference for comprehensive growth assessment. Avoid Over-Monitoring: While growth tracking is valuable, avoid weighing or measuring your child too frequently. Daily fluctuations are normal and can cause unnecessary anxiety for both parents and children. Individual Variations: Remember that every child grows at their own pace. Siblings may have completely different growth patterns while both being perfectly healthy. Nutritional Factors: Breastfeeding, family dietary habits, and overall nutrition can influence growth patterns. The WHO standards are based on optimal growth conditions for breastfed infants. Genetic Factors: Family history plays a significant role in growth patterns. Children often follow growth trajectories similar to their parents. Premature Birth Considerations: For babies born prematurely, healthcare professionals may use adjusted ages for the first few years to account for early birth. Healthcare professionals use growth charts as part of comprehensive assessments that include: Physical examinations Developmental milestone assessments Family history reviews Nutritional evaluations When necessary, additional testing or referrals to specialists The UK's systematic approach to growth monitoring, combining WHO standards with NHS protocols, ensures that children receive appropriate care while avoiding unnecessary interventions for normal growth variations. Regular monitoring through your child's routine health checks, combined with occasional use of a reliable Child Growth Chart Calculator UK, provides the best approach to ensuring healthy development. When in doubt, always consult with your GP, health visitor, or pediatrician who can provide personalized guidance based on your child's complete health picture. Remember, Child Growth Chart Calculator UK tools are designed for tracking patterns over time rather than defining what's 'normal' for every child. Every child is unique, and healthy growth comes in many different forms. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Excess belly fat may trigger skin infection - psoriasis; science says
Source: Canva A recent study found that excess belly fat may increase the risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, particularly in women. Experts now recommend focusing on waist size, core strength, and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and disease risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 330,000 individuals in the UK and discovered a strong connection between abdominal fat and psoriasis. The finding suggests that central adiposity, or belly fat, plays a key role in psoriasis development. This indicates that carrying excess weight around the midsection may have serious health implications beyond aesthetics. Connection between excess belly fat and skin infection- psoriasis A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that belly fat measurements, such as waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference, are more strongly associated with psoriasis risk than traditional indicators like Body Mass Index (BMI). The researchers evaluated 25 fat-related body measurements and found that those related to abdominal fat showed the strongest links to psoriasis. Experts examined how different measures of adiposity- including BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio- influence the risk of developing psoriasis. This study emphasizes the importance of an alternative model for assessing health status, beyond merely BMI, particularly due to growing concerns about belly fat. By addressing waist size and modifying unhealthy behaviors, individuals can reduce their risk of psoriasis and improve overall skin health. What is psoriasis? Source: Canva Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Research links it to metabolic syndromes, particularly obesity. Adiposity is common among individuals with psoriasis, particularly those with more severe disease. Evidence suggests a risk-increasing causal relationship between increasing levels of adiposity and psoriasis Increasing body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio have all been associated with a higher risk of psoriasis in large population studies. Research shows that many people with psoriasis have high body fat levels. How body fat and genetics may drive psoriasis risk Researchers analysed both clinical and genetic data from over 330,000 UK Biobank participants. They examined 25 body fat measures using traditional and advanced imaging methods to assess their association with psoriasis. The study demonstrated relationships with body composition traits and psoriasis risk, as well as genetic variants that may contribute to each condition. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization were used to identify potential causal relationships, allowing researchers to examine beyond correlation the biological basis of the observed associations. Also read | What is Mouth Larvae: Know its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies and treatment One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
I have a 26-inch waist, yet I joined a gym! Know 12 surprising changes that followed
'Why are you losing weight? Did you get your tests done? Are you sure it's not thyroid or PCOS?' If you have ever been on the skinnier side, chances are you have heard some version of this. I definitely have—my whole life. I am Aayushi Gupta, a health journalist who had never thought about joining a gym until a month ago. I have always had a naturally thin frame, and even though I was not drastically underweight, my 45.5 kg figure made people assume something was wrong with my health. Naturally, I started wondering the same. Checkups and blood tests, thankfully, turned out 'normal': no thyroid issues, no PCOS, nothing else concerning. The reason for my skinny frame? A naturally fast metabolism that refuses to let me gain weight, no matter what or how much I eat. I feel stronger and energetic now.(Aayushi Gupta) Before joining the gym About a month ago, before I stepped into the gym, I decided to understand my body a little better—just the basics. I had always been told I looked too skinny, but I wanted to know if I was underweight or malnourished. So, I looked up how to calculate BMI (Body Mass Index), a quick way to see if your weight falls in a healthy range based on your height. I am 5.2 feet tall (about 1.585 meters) and weigh 45.6 kg. Here's how the math works: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²) BMI = 45.6 / (1.585 × 1.585) = 18.15 That number puts me in the "underweight" category. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. But once I joined the gym, I started to see things differently. Being in the 'normal weight range' does not always mean you are fit or feel your best. And that's where things started to change for me. What I do in the gym? When I first joined the gym, my trainers—Tarun Biltoria and Hemant Sah—helped me ease into it. They made me focus on stretching and mobility to loosen up tight muscles. For the first few days, I did high knees, leg swings, lunges, arm circles, back stretches, and some basic dumbbell exercises. It helped me get comfortable. Now, I follow a structured weekly routine that targets different muscle groups. Here's my 6-day workout routine to muscle up: I start with push-ups, then move on to the shoulder press machine, upright rows, shrugs, and dumbbell exercises like lateral raises, front raises, reverse fly, Arnold presses, and shoulder presses. This includes sumo squats, horizontal leg curls, barbell squats, leg press, reverse lunges, dumbbell squats, hip abductions, and cycling. I do push-ups, chest press on the machine, iso incline press, butterfly stretch, dumbbell and barbell bench presses (flat, incline, and decline). Thursday – Biceps and triceps: Tricep pushdowns, cable triceps pull-ups, rope pull-downs, bicep curls, hammer curls, barbell curls, and both overhead and lying triceps extensions. I focus on cable lateral pull-downs, pullovers, reverse fly, rows, shrugs, deadlifts, lever seated reverse fly and planks. This day includes squats, Bulgarian split squats, walking and side lunges, barbell squats, dumbbell squats, leg curls, leg extensions, calf raises, and cycling. No matter what day it is, I always start with 10–15 minutes of stretching to avoid the risk of injury during the workout. 12 changes after 1 month of gym workout Within a month of joining the gym, my life began to feel and look different. I experienced multiple physical and mental health benefits of exercise. Let me tell you all about it: 1. My appetite has increased One of the first things I noticed after joining the gym was that I started feeling hungrier. I wanted to eat more and more frequently than before. This was a far cry from my earlier self because I was the kind of person who could skip a meal without noticing or feeling hungry at all. Now, my body reminds me when it's time to eat, and it helps me stick to regular meals. While I am careful not to overeat, this increased appetite has been a positive change. It helps me eat enough and stay energized throughout the day. 2. I feel calmer and lighter I still experience mood swings and moments when I feel irritated or sad. But since I started exercising, I have noticed I am better at managing those feelings. Exercising every day keeps me more positive and calm, especially while dealing with work stress. Even when I feel down, I am able to stay composed and bounce back faster. 3. I've gained a little weight Yes, I have actually gained some weight, up from 45.6 kg to 46.7 kg. I did not follow any special diet. I simply made small changes—started having a banana-mango shake before workouts, ate protein or fibre-rich breakfasts like oatmeal or eggs, had my meals on time, and added more yoghurt to support digestion. I have gained a little weight and muscle mass. (Aayushi Gupta) 4. Slight muscle gain It is not a big transformation, but I have started noticing a little muscle definition, especially in my arms and legs. My body feels a bit firmer and more toned than before, which honestly feels nice. Can't wait to see abs, really! 5. Feeling stronger and more energetic I used to feel lazy and low on energy most of the time. But ever since I started working out, I feel more active during the day. Whether it is work or daily chores, I am able to get things done without feeling drained. Also, I am able to perform exercises for longer periods and at higher intensities. 6. Feeling more focused towards work Regular exercising have helped me clear my mind and stay more focused. I am able to concentrate better and finish work without getting distracted as easily. 7. My sleep cycle has improved I fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed. Working out has helped me get into a more consistent and restful sleep routine. 8. Cervical pain has reduced I have had cervical pain or neck pain for a while, mostly due to long sitting hours at my desk job. But ever since I started exercising regularly, the pain has become less frequent and more manageable. 9. I make healthier choices in food now Since joining the gym, I have become more mindful of what I eat. I naturally reach for more balanced, nutritious meals instead of random snacking. Plus, I avoid junk food. 10. Improved flexibility Regular stretching and workouts have made my body feel less stiff and tight. I can bend and move more easily now. It is something I had not realised I was losing along the way, but regaining the flexibility has been a win-win. 11. Better form and technique In the beginning, I struggled with basic exercises. But now, with some guidance and consistency, my posture and form have improved, and I feel more in control during workouts. 12. I feel more confident Even small changes like feeling stronger or more toned physically have made me appreciate my body more. This motivates me to keep going back to the gym, and showing up each day to build a healthier, stronger version of myself.
