Dear Editor, We read your article “Influences of role models and other factors on physical activity amongst 6 to 16 years overweight and obese students” with great interest.1 We would like to appreciate for bringing such an important and thriving issue in the society. We would like to add a few suggestions. Childhood obesity is a growing concern worldwide, and the rise in its prevalence, especially in India, is alarming. In India, the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased significantly, with a rise of 3.4% between 2019 and 2021. This alarming trend has led to more than 14.4 million children being classified as obese, making India the second-highest country in the world for childhood obesity.2 This situation is largely attributed to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity, which is directly linked to the rising rates of stress, hypertension, and diabetes among children.2 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children aged 5–17 years require at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. To meet these guidelines, educational institutions and parents must collaborate effectively.3 Schools can play a pivotal role by incorporating mandatory physical education (PE) classes into the curriculum and making them more engaging for children. This would ensure greater participation and sustained involvement in physical activities. The statistics on childhood health issues in India are concerning. Based on the survey conducted by the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) 2016–2018, a nationally representative study showed the prevalence of high BP was 35.1% in children aged 10–12 years and 25.1% in children 13 years or older.3 However, with proper PE and increased parental involvement, these numbers can be significantly reduced. Studies have shown that engaging children in physical activity not only helps in combating obesity but also reduces the risk of future health problems such as diabetes and hypertension.4 The relationship between parental involvement and children’s physical activity is crucial. The proposed Parent Engagement and Support, Physical Activity, and Academic Performance (PESPAAP) model suggests that one or both parents will be involved in the child’s participation in physical activity during school or within out-of-school settings. When parents actively engage in physical activities with their children, both academic performance and health outcomes will improve better. Parents serve as powerful role models for children, and research indicates that when children see their parents adopting healthy behaviors, they are more likely to mimic those behaviors.5 Moreover, children are highly influenced by public figures, including celebrities who often serve as their role models. Schools can harness this influence by arranging interactions between students and their idols through motivational speeches and other media collaborations. These initiatives can inspire children to adopt healthier lifestyles and stay active. To conclude, childhood obesity is a growing public health concern that demands immediate attention from both parents and educators. Early intervention is essential for addressing the physical and emotional well-being of the younger generation. Simple measures such as incorporating PE into school curricula, fostering parental involvement using role models to motivate children, can significantly impact reversing the current trend. By taking these steps, we can create a healthier future for children and prevent the onset of chronic health issues in adulthood. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Madhumitha et al. (Thu,) studied this question.