Why is obesity on rise in India? How can people lose weight?

Hyderabad: Obesity is on the rise in India. Yashoda Hospitals hosted an Obesity Awareness session. Led by Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist and Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Kona Lakshmi Kumari, it was aimed to raise awareness about the complications that obesity causes in people.

Dr. Kona Lakshmi Kumari, Senior Bariatric Surgeon and Surgical Gastroenterologist at Yashoda Somajiguda Hospitals presented an Obesity Awareness Program at Yashoda Hospitals. This event drew a large number of participants including Dr. Pavan Gorukanti, Director of Yashoda Hospitals, and Dr. Vishnu, Karthihaivelan, fellow doctors and patients who were treated for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and other ailments.

Number of Indians who are overweight

Obesity is on the rise in India, with one out of every four people considered overweight. In India, nearly one in every 16 women and one in every 25 males are obese. Furthermore, according to data published in the fifth and most recent wave of the National Family Health Survey, Indians have only gotten heavier over the last two decades (NFHS). It demonstrates that women are more likely than males to be obese, and the so-called "middle-aged spread" is a reality for the Indian waistline.

According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the prevalence of obesity among Indians has grown. Around one out of every four people is overweight, up from one out of every five previously.

"According to the data, one-fourth of young women in India are overweight, and slightly more than a fifth of young men are likewise overweight. But, thankfully, they are not obese. Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher," said Dr. Kona Lakshmi Kumari.

Problems Obesity causes

Obesity is a leading cause of numerous health problems, including joint pain, infertility, breathing problems, cardiac problems, and, more recently, various malignancies connected to the colon, breast, and endometrial. Every individual should maintain healthy bodily habits such as daily exercise and a well-balanced diet. Despite this, some people tend to acquire weight despite diet and exercise, and those who are unable to exercise for weight loss lead to further weight gain and a variety of metabolic disorders.

How can Obese people lose weight?

Bariatric surgery is an important option for obese people because it helps them lose weight in a healthier way, as well as gain relief from all metabolic problems such as hypertension and diabetes, and it also helps them gain self-esteem in society.

"A regular bariatric support group meeting is also an important step in encouraging those who have had bariatric surgery to see their progress and to help them if they have any issues with diet, physical activity, or psychological issues to guide them in a proper way with the goal of not just losing weight but living a healthy life." Also, to encourage those who are pre-obesity to adopt a healthy nutritional and activity-based lifestyle, and to help obese people who are considering surgery to dispel myths and misconceptions about surgery." Dr. Pavan Gorukanti, Director of Yashoda Hospitals, stated.

Bariatric surgery is a comprehensive approach with the goal of staying active - not simply decreasing weight and living a healthy life. With the aforesaid goal in mind, Dr. Kona Lakshmi, Senior Bariatric Surgeon & Surgical Gastroenterologist, and her team of professional doctors are hosting an annual bariatric support group meeting at Yashoda Hospital.