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Recent data indicate a rise in obesity both in children and adolescents in developing countries. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in urban children in New Delhi has shown an increase from 16% in 2002 to about 24% in 2006-2007. Our recent data show that the prevalence among adolescent children was 29% in private schools and 11.3% in government funded schools. While India already has highest number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) globally, rapid rise of obesity in children is the prime reason for increasing insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome and raised levels of C-reactive protein. Excess body fat, thick truncal subcutaneous fat, and abdominal adiposity are important predisposing factors for development of insulin resistance in Asian Indian children. As compared to other ethnic groups, children with ancestral origin in South Asia manifest adiposity, insulin resistance and metabolic perturbations earlier in life and these derangements are of higher magnitude than white Caucasian children. Since the metabolic syndrome and obesity track into adulthood, these clinical entities need to be recognized early for effective prevention of T2DM and coronary heart disease. Therapeutic lifestyle changes, maintenance of high levels of physical activity and normal weight are most important prevention strategies. Both high-risk surveillance and cost-effective population intervention programs are urgently needed. In this context, we have launched one of the largest program ("MARG", The Path) to curb childhood obesity in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a group diet and physical activity intervention on body composition, blood lipid profile and insulin resistance in migrant Asian Indian volunteers. Total body and abdominal fat, waist girth, serum glucose, insulin and lipids were measured one month before and immediately prior to an intervention designed to encourage increased physical activity and improved diet. Measurements were repeated after a 5-month period of altered exercise and dietary habits. Over this period monthly group education sessions were held on diet and physical activity and the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors for chronic disease. Forty one (21M, 20F) volunteers (aged >50 y) were recruited from Asian Indian community groups in urban Auckland, New Zealand. Body weight, total and percentage body fat, waist girth and abdominal fat decreased in men following the intervention (p<0.006) while these changes were not statistically significant in women. In both men and women high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels increased and LDL and total cholesterol/HDL ratio decreased (p<0.002) without changes in serum glucose, insulin and triglycerides. Reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol in women (r=0.63, p=0.003, r=0.48, p=0.03) but not in men (r=0.09, p=0.69, r=0.04, p=0.86). Over a five month period, an Asian Indian community group diet and physical activity intervention resulted in significant reductions in total and abdominal body fat and blood lipid risk factors but not in insulin sensitivity or resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]