It is reported that around 20 per cent of Indian children are overweight or obese and numbers of Type 2 diabetes is on the increase amongst children and adolescents. MV Hospital for Diabetes & Diabetes Research Centre, the WHO collaborating centre in India, launched a campaign titled "Campaign on Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Diabetes" to address this concern.

A Manual detailing facts and guidelines on prevention of obesity for children was also launched to help cultivate long-term weight control. The Manual, the first ever awareness handbook on the subject in the country - Manual on Prevention of Childhood Obesity, was launched by Thangam Thennarasu, honorable minister of education, Tamil Nadu and the recipient of the first copy was D. Jagannathan, director of School Education, Tamil Nadu. Bayer Diabetes Care extended the support for bringing out the manual.

Kicking off the Campaign in a symbolic representation was a Children's Poster competition on obesity titled "My understanding of Obesity and Diabetes" for children from over 20 schools in the city. An exhibition of the Posters organized by M V Hospitals brought to the fore, the current understanding of the problem among the generations of tomorrow and set the tone for the campaign objectives.

Another key part of the Day's event was the DRC Gold Medal Oration on 'Science and Technology towards appreciable Health Care in India' was delivered by Dr T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Vijay Viswanathan, managing director of M V Hospital for Diabetes & Diabetes Research Centre, Royapuram said, "This is an initiative brought forth by the team after immense planning and research. The increase of obesity in children in India especially in the urban areas is quite alarming. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on the food habits of children and assist parents in providing their children with a healthy nutritious diet. The Manual also has guidelines on physical activity and routines that would not over stress the child but help stay fit. We are happy to receive positive responses from the schools and the Government".

"I would like to take this occasion to request the Government of Tamil Nadu, among the most proactive states in novel health care initiatives, to support us in performing an impact assessment in the State. The Study would form a base for understanding the need for awareness on prevention of childhood obesity and diabetes not just in the State, but for the entire country. We are planning to submit a Memorandum to the Government in this regard and hope to launch the project soon," Dr Vijay Viswanathan added.

Cholayil Sanjeevanam, recognized for its herbal food, provided a nutritious vegetarian meal for all the registered participants at the event. The programme also included tips on preparing low calorie food items, taking body measurements and diagnosing the children who were over weight.