Shailaja Mane,  Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, India

Shailaja Mane

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, India

Presentation Title:

Confronting the escalating burden of overnutrition among adolescents: a focus on urban India

Abstract

Overnutrition, marked by excessive energy intake leading to overweight and obesity, is a growing global epidemic. It causes 35,000 deaths annually in Southeast Asia, with overweight prevalence ranging from 8% to 30% among boys and 8% to 52% among girls. India, now the third most obese country globally, reflects this concern, particularly in urban areas where 33.2% of women and 29.8% of men are overweight or obese (NFHS-5). Adolescents are especially vulnerable due to urbanization, reduced physical activity, high screen time, irregular meals, and increased consumption of calorie-dense fast foods. These behaviors, combined with genetic predispositions, elevate risks for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. Studies show 12.1% overweight and 8.7% obesity prevalence in adolescents aged 13–14 years, compounded by limited physical activity and excessive screen exposure. Effective interventions include promoting balanced diets, encouraging physical activity, and behavioral counseling. While lifestyle changes are the foundation, pharmacologic treatments and bariatric surgery may be considered for severe cases with complications. Prevention strategies should address related conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, fatty liver, and cardiovascular risks. A collaborative approach involving families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers is essential for sustainable solutions. Adolescence represents a critical period for fostering lifelong healthy habits, reducing the prevalence of NCDs, and improving the health trajectory of future generations in urban India.

Biography

Shailaja Vijaykumar Mane completed her MBBS in 1991 from Government Medical College, Miraj, with First Class, and subsequently pursued her MD in pediatrics from the same institution. In 2004, she joined Padm. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and Research Institute, Pimpri, Pune, as an associate professor in pediatrics and was later promoted to the position of professor. She serves as a master trainer and resource person in several national programs focused on reducing neonatal and child morbidity and mortality, including PPTCT by NACO, IMNCI, RNTCP, Life Skills Education in Adolescents organized by ACCI, FNBC, and BPNI. She is also trained in ICH-GCP guidelines by the World Health Organization. Her academic contributions include the publication of "A Case of Incontinentia Pigmenti" in the December 2006 issue of Indian Pediatrics. Recognized for her commitment to adolescent health, she has been selected and trained as an “Adolescent Health Ambassador” of India and currently serves as a national-level trainer for the Mission Kishor Uday Programme of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics.