With rapid economic transformation ushering in major lifestyle changes, India finds itself caught in the web of lifestyle health disorders, which include obesity. Yet, there remains very little awareness about the risk factors and causes of excess weight gain, and the health threats associated with being overweight. Also limited is the consciousness that excessive weight is a medical problem that needs medical help. It is important to understand that there can be many reasons for obesity - hormonal, hereditary and even lifestyle oriented. Childhood obesity and obesity in women post menopause are major issues facing the country at present. It should be noted that obesity, along with diabetes and cardiac issues, are the major NCD’s (Non Communicable Diseases) that are on the rise. According to Obesity Foundation of India, 30 million Indians are obese, and the number is predicted to double over the next few years. This trend is a cause of alarm for a country that is simultaneously saddled with the problem of malnutrition diseases. In light of the above-mentioned concerns, leading experts who deal with different facets of Obesity came together at an initiative by Paras Hospitals – ‘Coffee with Anti-Obesity Experts’. They discussed the growing risk factors of obesity and outlined preventive measures that are crucial for overall health. They stressed on the fact that overweight people should seek medical help in dealing with their weight issues, as there are a variety of causes that lead to excess weight gain - ranging from eating disorders to hormonal imbalances. Dr Sandeep Kharb, Consultant Endocrinology, Dr Eti Bhalla, Chief Dietician, and Dr Alok Gupta, Consultant Bariatric Surgery, spoke about the risks, prevention and treatment of obesity.
“Obesity directly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, gall bladder disease and certain types of cancer. Obesity is therefore not just a problem of size and appearance, but of health - and can be life-threatening. The overweight also tend to experience an early onset of osteoarthritis, as the weight borne by their joints is excessive. Obesity as a disease is ignored in India and is typically considered a sign of prosperity. However, obesity does contribute to increased mortality, due to increase in Type –II Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, heart diseases, stroke and some types of cancer. The accepted thought process in our society is that people who indulge in uncontrolled eating tend to be overweight. However, there are other causes and contributing factors, including thyroid or other hormonal imbalances, Poly-Cystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), lack of physical exercise, poor eating habits and increased intake of junk food,” said Dr Sandeep Kharb. “This is why treating excessive weight gain requires a comprehensive health examination and treatment. It is estimated that around 90% of the women in India are not diagnosed for thyroid. Also, many resort to self-medication. If one has to address the issue at hand, a four-pronged approach is necessary - testing, correct diagnosis, correct treatment and proper follow up,” added Dr Kharb. “Undertaking crash diets can be dangerous. Your diet should be low on calorie but rich on all the other nutrients that are needed by the body. The quality of nutrients is most important. One must become a mindful eater, by also choosing what and how to eat,” said Dr Eti Bhalla. For people who are morbidly obese, that is those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above, surgical intervention is often advised, to prevent the extreme consequences of their weight gain on the body. Bariatric Surgery works in multiple ways - from gastric bypass to gastric banding, to correct the energy imbalance in the body. Dr Alok Gupta explained the procedure and its usefulness in morbidly obese people. However, while stressing on the fact that obesity is a health issue, it would be imprudent to overlook its emotional and social consequences. People with excessive weight have to bear constant social ridicule, often resulting in low self-esteem. Touching on this area, Dr Alok Gupta also spoke about alternate procedures like liposuction and tummy tuck, and their usefulness, and on when a person should opt for the same. “In a lot of people obesity is genetic, but in others it is influenced by social and environmental factors. Obesity as a problem is growing in India because people while have shifted to westernised food habits, which are calorie-rich, they have not accepted the need for regular physical exercise. Eating a low fat, fibre rich diet and exercising for at least half an hour daily can protect many people from turning overweight,” said Dr Alok Gupta.
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