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செய்திகள்
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Kalvimalar
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Articles
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Rising cases of Obesity and PCOD among girls in India
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Rising cases of Obesity and PCOD among girls in India
Rising cases of Obesity and PCOD among girls in India
Rising cases of Obesity and PCOD among girls in India
அக் 15, 2025 06:34 PM
அக் 15, 2025 06:34 PM

The prevalence of obesity, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), and thyroid disorders among Indian adolescent and young adult girls has been increasing, driven by a combination of lifestyle, dietary, environmental, and psychosocial factors. Understanding these contributors is critical for prevention and early intervention.
1. Sedentary Lifestyle
Extended screen time due to online education, social media, and digital entertainment has led to reduced physical activity.
Decreased participation in outdoor sports and regular exercise contributes to weight gain and metabolic disturbances.
2. Unhealthy Dietary Patterns
High intake of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats promotes adiposity and insulin resistance.
Reduced consumption of nutrient-dense, home-cooked meals limits essential vitamins and minerals.
Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and caffeinated drinks exacerbates metabolic dysregulation.
3. Hormonal Imbalances and PCOD
PCOD is often associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, which are aggravated by obesity and poor diet.
Obesity and chronic stress contribute to dysregulation of gonadotropins and androgen levels, affecting menstrual cycles and reproductive health.
Low awareness and delayed diagnosis of PCOD result in prolonged metabolic and endocrine complications.
4. Thyroid Disorders
Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iodine and selenium, can impair thyroid hormone synthesis.
Chronic psychological stress alters hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function, affecting metabolism.
Exposure to environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may interfere with thyroid function.
5. Stress and Mental Health
Academic pressure, social expectations, and lifestyle-related stress contribute to cortisol dysregulation, impacting weight, glucose metabolism, and reproductive hormones.
Sleep deprivation due to irregular routines further exacerbates metabolic imbalance and weight gain.
6. Early Puberty and Environmental Influences
Increased exposure to EDCs in plastics, personal care products, and processed foods may accelerate the onset of puberty.
Changes in diet and physical inactivity can disrupt normal hormonal maturation.
Preventive Measures
Encourage daily physical activity, including aerobic exercises, yoga, and sports.
Promote a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, whole grains, and essential micronutrients.
Raise awareness about menstrual health, PCOD, and thyroid disorders to ensure early diagnosis.
Limit screen time, improve sleep hygiene, and manage stress through mindfulness practices.
Regular medical evaluations to monitor weight, hormonal levels, and metabolic health.