Prerna Uppal, New Delhi: Obesity in children is leading to a number of lifestyle diseases, say doctors.

39.7 per cent of urban Indian children eat out once or more every week, 52.9 per cent of children eat potato chips once or more every week and 36.4 per cent of the children have colas once or more a week, according to survey.

With this kind of eating habits, maybe it is not surprising that one in three children have been found to be obese. And childhood obesity can lead to many health complications.

Says endocrinologist, Dr Anup Misra, ”Almost 24 per cent of the boys and 36 per cent of the girls have metabolic syndrome.”

It means that they are at a risk of developing hypertension, cardiac problems, Type 2 Diabetes, orthopaedic problems, asthma, daytime sleepiness or breathing difficulty in sleep.

But it's not just physical. We all know those fat people jokes that fall flat, and other cruel stereotypes, children are maybe, most vulnerable to.

“Overweight and obese children may face a number of psychological problems ranging from irritability to anxiety to low self-esteem and even depression,” adds endocrinologist, Bhavna Barmi.

Children will eventually see the light, but that is only once parents and schools lead the way.

Schools in the capital have become more proactive with the recent banning of junk food in canteens and on campus.

Children might not sound too happy about it, but it is a step in the right direction, and it does need to be backed up by some discipline at home.