Health experts here on World Obesity Day on Tuesday emphasised that obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue but a significant health concern with far-reaching negative implications. They stressed on simple steps like balanced diets, regular exercise, and timely medical intervention to curb Obesity.
Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Head of the Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism at AIIMS, Delhi highlighted key contributors to rising obesity rates, including circadian rhythm disorders, poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and the stressors of modern life.
Speaking at an ASSOCHAM interactive session titled “Obesity and its Adverse Impact on Health,” in the national capital, Dr. Tandon pointed out the alarming trend of increasing adult and childhood obesity and emphasised that these issues are linked not just to genetics but also to lifestyle choices. He called for heightened education, awareness, and open conversations to combat this urgent health crisis.
The event, organized by the ASSOCHAM Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR), also featured insights from leading health experts. Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National Council on CSR, spoke about government initiatives like FIT India and Eat Right India, which aim to promote healthier living. Dr. Sudhir Kalhan emphasized the necessity of awareness and preventive measures, urging simple lifestyle changes to mitigate obesity’s impact. Dr. Shikha Sharma introduced a structured approach to weight management through the acronym “OBESITY,” focusing on organic nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.
Dr. Sudhir Kalhan, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM Digital Health Task Force and Chairman, Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said, “With sedentary lifestyles, imbalance diets, and genetic predispositions, obesity rates are soaring, leading to diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases.
“As a bariatric surgeon, I witness the devastating impact daily. The need for awareness and preventive measures has become urgent. Bariatric surgery is a lifesaving option for severe cases, but prevention is key. Let’s tackle obesity collectively before it overwhelms our healthcare system.”
Dr. Kapil Kochhar, Head of the Dept. of Minimally Invasive, Bariatric & General Surgery (Unit 2), Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram and Delhi pointed out that the “basic problem with obesity is that people don’t accept it as a disease. So, first of all, we have to educate people that even just one kilogram overweight means the onset of obesity.
“There are many ways to control weight, right from diet and medication to minimally invasive procedures like intragastric balloons and ultimately bariatric surgery. Treatment modalities are designed as per patient needs, so please consult your physician at the earliest to nip obesity right in the bud. And we need a little support from the government so that obesity treatment can be covered under insurance more widely.”
