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Surge in Childhood Obesity Alarms Maharashtra Health Minister: "Parents Must Act Now"

According to Abitkar, the state’s public health department is stepping up its response with more robust initiatives, including school-based screening camps and targeted awareness drives. These will be rolled out more effectively across Maharashtra to identify at-risk children and educate families.

• By Newsdesk
• Mumbai
• May 24, 2025

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Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar raised a red flag on Friday over the alarming rise in childhood obesity, calling it a "matter of grave concern" that demands urgent attention from both parents and public health systems. Speaking as the chief guest at the third Global Obesity Conference in Mumbai, jointly organised by the Generation X Foundation and SRTC Child Hospital, Abitkar underscored the need for immediate action to tackle what he called a growing public health challenge.

“In recent times, we have observed a disturbing spike in obesity among children,” Abitkar said, urging parents to take the issue seriously. “This isn’t just a passing phase. Childhood obesity can set the stage for lifelong health problems, and it is imperative that we act now.”

According to Abitkar, the state’s public health department is stepping up its response with more robust initiatives, including school-based screening camps and targeted awareness drives. These will be rolled out more effectively across Maharashtra to identify at-risk children and educate families.

Lifestyle Shift Fuelling the Crisis

The health minister pointed to shifting lifestyle patterns as key contributors to the problem. “Children today are increasingly consuming processed and fast foods, while spending more time on mobile phones and video games than engaging in outdoor play,” he said. “This decline in physical activity, coupled with poor dietary habits, is fuelling the obesity epidemic.”

Abitkar emphasized the crucial role parents play in reversing the trend. “It starts at home. Parents must be vigilant and ensure their children are eating balanced meals and staying physically active. We need to reintroduce a culture of outdoor games and reduce screen time.”

Government’s Multi-Pronged Strategy

To combat the crisis, the public health department has launched several focused programmes. These include:

• School health check-up campaigns to identify obesity and related health risks early.
• Nutritional guidance sessions to promote healthy eating habits among children and parents.
• Awareness programmes on the importance of balanced diets and regular physical exercise.
• Parental education workshops to empower families with practical tools for lifestyle changes.

“These steps aim to build a healthier generation, not just by treating obesity but by preventing it,” Abitkar said.

The Bigger Picture

Childhood obesity is increasingly being recognized as a global health crisis, with long-term implications including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health challenges. India, with its rapidly urbanizing population and changing food habits, is seeing a steady rise in cases, particularly in metropolitan areas like Mumbai.

Experts at the conference echoed the minister's concerns, calling for collaborative efforts between schools, healthcare providers, and families to create sustainable change.

As Maharashtra sharpens its focus on childhood wellness, Abitkar’s message was clear: the fight against obesity must begin early—and it must begin at home.