CONNECTION OF RELIGION AND HEALTH: RELEVANCE IN THE STUDY OF OBESITY AMONGST CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Background: Increasing trend in overweight and obesity among children andadolescents has been documented over the last few years. The present study hasanalysed the association of obesity and type-2 diabetes in different religions.Materials and Methods: Children and adolescents aged 10-19 years were selectedrandomly for questioning regarding the different aspects of epidemiology and theirhealth examination was also done.Results and Discussion: The study area constitutes basically people belonging toHindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians. Hindus and Sikhs form the bulk of population.It has been noticed that impaired glucose level, diabetic and overweight subjects weremore in Hindus than other religions.Conclusion: Cultural background and religious beliefs are so strongly associated thatreligion sometimes serves as an indicator of ethnic group. A great deal of interest inreligious difference has been focused in the hope of discovering the degree of genetichomogeneity through inbreeding, preserved environmental consistency, difference indietary habits etc. Further studies are required to justify the relationship of religionswith obesity and its related disorders.