Obesity-Prevention Course in Schools To Tackle Childhood Obesity In Schools

It cannot be denied that childhood obesity is on the rise. Ubiquitous processed foods and fast foods are among the top reasons for childhood obesity. Adding to the fact that the outdoor activities have been replaced by digital ones, and we have a scenario where children are eating more calories than they can expend. 

For children, Junk food can be appealing and they do not always understand the health consequences of their eating habits. However, regularly consuming fattening junk food can be addictive for children and lead to complications like obesity, chronic illness, low self-esteem and even depression, as well as affecting how they perform in school and extracurricular activities. Thus, prevention of childhood obesity is important to prevent chronic disease not only in childhood but also in adulthood.

Hence, In order to raise awareness about obesity-prevention among students, the West Bengal Education Department has decided to introduce obesity-prevention lessons in the school curriculum.

The course will focus on the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles for addressing the health problem.

Physical Activities

The lessons will be implemented from the primary education level. Besides the theoretical lessons, the curriculum would also highlight the practical aspect of tackling obesity such as the necessity of physical activity, regular measurement of certain parameters and eating healthy food.

Importance of Regular Check-up

Giving the intimate relation of blood pressure and blood sugar with obesity, it is important for school students to regularly get certain parameters like pressure, blood sugar and body weight, monitored.

The instruments for measuring these parameters will be bought by the schools from funds provided by the department. The department has already purchased weighing machines, skinfold calliper for determining the state of obesity and glucometer for measuring blood sugar. Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope for measuring blood pressure have also been purchased.

Training Teachers

Before implementing the course, the department will provide the teachers with the necessary training. The teachers will be trained to teach the students the habit of practising yoga to prevent obesity.

The teachers will be trained by physicians in handling the instruments. They will also be taught about the impact of blood pressure, blood sugar and how obesity can be controlled or prevented through controlling food habits and regular exercising.