Alternative & Integrative Medicine

Abstract

Ajayan T, Hari Sankar V, Sugathan NV and Chandraja CV

Background: In 1999, WHO identified Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) as dysglycemia with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 , high lipid profile and Blood pressure above 135/85 mm Hg as metabolic syndrome. Scientific and technical advancement of lifestyle has reduced physical activity of people; whereas today’s food and culture ensures increased calorie intake, which along with psychological stress have landed human life in the clutches of metabolic diseases. Homoeopathy has significant efficacy in treating lifestyle diseases like Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Obesity, Insomnia, Heart Problems, Peptic Ulcers etc. The Objective of the study was to manage metabolic diseases homeopathically and monitor their surveillance using standardized physical measurements to collect data on height and weight; hip and waist circumference, family and past history. Methods: Children who fulfill any 3 criteria of metabolic syndrome are enrolled and data were collected in SKHMC case format systematically. Selected children were communicated with the parent and are requested to visit Sarada Krishna Homoeopathic Medical College for advanced studies and treatment after a written consent. Anthropometric measurement of weight, height, waist circumference, Waist Hip ratio, skin fold measures and activity tracker along with the constitutional medicine was the intervention. Follow up was conducted for a period of 6- 8 months to record significant differences in parameters. Results: The prevalence of the MetS was seen in 19 children among 264 screened students 7.2% among which 3.4% were females; 3.7% were males. All 19 children had BMI above 85percentile; among which obese children were 8 and remaining 11 were identified overweight. The factor responsible were identified as low physical activity, sedentary activities such as watching television or using electronic gadgets and sleep routines, which were seen in 63% of the children and rest was understood as due to medication, family history etc. After the prescription of constitutional remedy and follow up of 8 months, following parameters were analyzed for observing significant difference in Waist circumference, BMI and Waist Hip ratio, skin fold measures; P=0.001. Conclusion: The MetS is prevalent among school children, and this is due to lack of awareness among students, teachers and parents, therefore school health programs can help the children to lead healthy life style. Introducing Physical education and outdoor games in school must be recommended and made mandatory to raise up a healthy generation. Occassional screening programs to manage obesity and MetS must be intervented.