Abstract

Background:Obese children also suffer from emotional, mental, and social trauma. Obese
children are seen to have depression and very low self-esteem. Also, such children are teased
by society and have high peer pressure. Additionally, obesity and overweight pose a high
burden on the health care system.
Aims:The present trial was carried out to document the efficacy of counseling about physical
activity, nutrition, and weight on obese children of low socioeconomic status.
Methods: The study was carried out on 48 children and was based on the questionnaire on
the lifestyle modification and counseling sessions with questions based on healthy habits and
physical exercise. Associated comorbidities such as asthma or diabetes were also asked along
with their treating paediatrician. The collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation
and the results were formulated.
Results: Counselling for nutrition, physical activity, and weight were provided to study
participants and the results showed that 80% (n=12) obese, 66.6% (n=6) overweight, and
58.3% (n=14) healthy subjects received counselling for nutrition. In male participants
61.53% (n=16), 69.23% (n=18), and 65.38% (n=17) respectively were counselled for
nutrition, physical activity, and weight. Similarly, in females 68.18% (n=15), 63.63% (n=14),
and 63.63% (n=14) respectively were counselled for nutrition, physical activity, and weight.
Regarding diabetics in the study (n=2), all the subjects were counselled for weight, nutrition,
as well as physical activity. In subjects with asthma, the counselling for nutrition, physical
activity, and weight was given to 63.6% (n=7), 54.5% (n=6), and 54.5% (n=6) respectively.
Conclusion:The present study concludes that overweight and obese children do not get more
counseling sessions compared to their healthy peers. There is a need for more interactions at
home and more reinforcement of counseling sessions in the school curriculum with special
emphasis on overweight and obese children regarding their nutrition, physical activity, and
weight.