Diet cut begins to trim obese siblings in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD: Three children from Somnath are being treated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for morbid obesity. The treatment, which comprises drastic reduction in diet, is yielding positive results. The kids have lost between 900 and 1,300 grams in weight within a fortnight.
Before start of treatment, five-year-old Yogita’s weight was 33kg, three-year-old Amisha weighed 47kg and one-year-old Harsh weighed 17kg.Together they used to consume one kg of motichoor laddus, four litres of milk, 10 rotis coated with desi ghee and three litres of buttermilk every day!
In fact, there was almost no food that these three siblings would not eat. They had become so overweight that their diet had started taking a toll on their kidneys. Further, because of their eating habit, their family had to spend on food thrice the Rs 150 per day their father, a daily wage earner, brought home.
Now, they are surviving on just one roti, a small cup of milk and restricted quantity of pulses given to them during lunch and dinner. The milk and pulses are rich sources of protein for vegetarians. After persuading their parents, the doctors have also started giving them egg white.
Assistant professor of pediatrics department, Dr Charul Purani, said: “The children are coping well with the strict dietary regimen. We've created a delightful and friendly environment in the ward with toys and video games. We've also restricted visits by outsiders.”
Fat-busting injection recommended
Madurai-based obesity specialist Dr Anand Annamalai has approached the Civil Hospital to help in the treatment of the siblings. Dr Annamalai, who had worked at Cambridge University earlier, has suggested that the kids be given hunger receptor injections. He says the receptor injections not only regulate hunger but also play a significant role in regulating the distribution of energy.
Dr Charul Purani says the hormonal reports of the kids are normal. He further said that the obesity of the children seemed to be of genetic origin. “We've sent their reports to the department of science and technology,” he said.