Obesity is on the rise in India, say bariatric surgery experts

HYDERABAD: Over the last two decades, Indians have become fatter, and obesity is on the rise in India, with one out of every four people being overweight, according to Bariatric Surgery experts.

Obesity has increased among Indians, according to the most recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data. Overweight affects nearly one out of every four persons. Unfortunately, this data shows that one-fourth of young women and slightly more than one-fifth of young males in India are overweight. Obesity is characterised as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above," said Dr. Kona Lakshmi Kumari, Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist and Expert Bariatric Surgeon.

Dr. Kona Lakshmi Kumari said, "We regret to inform you that obesity is currently on the rise in India, with one out of every four people overweight. In India, nearly one in every 16 women and one in every 25 males is obese. And, according to data published in the fifth and most recent wave of the National Family Health Survey, Indians continue to grow 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".

"Obesity is a leading cause of many health problems such as joint pains, infertility, breathing problems, cardiac problems, and is now a leading cause of many cancers such as colon, breast, and endometrium. Every individual should maintain healthy physical 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", she added.

"Bariatric surgery is an essential option for them because it helps them lose weight in a healthier way, not only helping them to lose weight but also helping them gain relief from all metabolic problems like hypertension and diabetes and also helping them gain self-esteem in society. Periodic bariatric support group meetings are also an important step for encouraging those who underwent bariatric surgery to see their progress and, if they have any issues with diet, physical activity, or psychological issues, to guide them in a proper way with the aim of not just losing weight but leading a healthy life. And also to encourage those who are pre obese to go for good dietary and activity based lifestyle and to obese who are willing for surgery to clear their doubts and myths about surgery", said Dr. Pavan Gorukanti, Director of Yashoda Hospitals.

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 attendees, including Dr. Pavan Gorukanti, Director of Yashoda Hospitals, and Dr. Vishnu, Dr Karthik, and other doctors, as well as many Bariatric Surgery successful patients who were relieved not only of obesity but also of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and other ailments that had affected them for a long time.

This comprehensive awareness programme was conducted with the goal of creating awareness about staying active - not just for losing weight but for leading a healthy life by the Department of Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery at Yashoda Hospital.