Obesity In India: A Silent Health Crisis No One Talks About
Along with India, a large number of countries all over the globe are experiencing a continuous increase in the obesity crisis. The phenomenon of obesity became widespread mainly among the young population, which undoubtedly means that this problem needs to be solved immediately. A leading medical journal issued a global analysis report in 2022, which states that the total number of children (5 to 19 years) in India with a severe overweight condition is almost 12.5 million. More than 0.4 million have gone up over the 1990 figures, showing the rise of childhood obesity in the country.
The problem of obesity has escalated to a level where childhood obesity is not the only concern; adults have also been affected severely. In India, the number of women and men suffering from obesity has grown from 2.4 million and 1.1 million in 1990 to 44 million and 26 million, respectively; thus, in the country, 44 million women and 26 million men are obese.
Obesity is defined as the accumulation of abnormal fat in the body. Globally, health organizations use BMI as a benchmark to grade people who are overweight and obese.
Since 1990, obesity in children and teenagers has increased by more than 3%. The figures indicate that the Indian population is facing serious health issues and that our healthcare system should be proactive in taking necessary steps to protect younger generations.
Experts claim that the primary causes of this pandemic are the major lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and socio-economic factors. Nevertheless, to solve this health crisis, it is necessary to first locate and accept the cause and then find a concrete solution to it.
Understanding obesity in India
Obesity is quickly becoming a major health issue in India, but the full scope of its serious consequences is not yet recognised by the public. Most of the references are still concentrated on old-fashioned solutions such as diet changes and carrying out regular physical activities. Although these things are very important, they do not work for most cases of individuals with severe obesity. Therefore, surgical interventions, particularly bariatric surgery, have been accepted as a reliable source, both in the short and long terms, to solve this problem. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated its effectiveness in helping people lose weight quickly. It is the best solution for people struggling with extreme obesity. Along with weight loss, this kind of surgery has a positive impact in terms of the patient’s long-term health.
The awareness about obesity and its related complications among the people seems to be increasing from time to time; however, many people view it as a personal choice or lifestyle. Obesity is more complex than any of you think; if not treated, it will become a chronic disease that affects physical and psychological well-being.
To explain the connection between obesity and other chronic diseases, here are a few obesity health problems:
Type 2 Diabetes
High blood sugar levels result in organ failure and an elevated risk of heart disorders. Excessive body fat is the main cause of insulin resistance, which results in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Heart Diseases
High chances of heart attacks, strokes, and blockages in arteries. Obesity makes your heart work harder and may result in an imbalance of cholesterol.
Hypertension
High blood pressure is one of the risk factors of being obese, which puts excess strain on the heart, increases the risk of kidney disease, and may also cause vision problems.
Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment when it comes to dealing with people who fail to lose weight through traditional methods alone. This procedure can be viewed as a long-term weight loss solution which can reduce the health risks associated with obesity, like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, alongside improving the overall health of a person.
To fight back against the obesity epidemic in India, we need to adopt different weight loss solutions, including surgical procedures. The key to the nation’s health lies in the recognition of obesity as a serious health concern, and it should offer comprehensive treatment options.
Important factors that contribute to obesity in India
The increase in the obese population in India is due to a combination of lifestyle changes that are more in tune with modern times, unhealthy eating habits, and, to some extent, certain genetic tendencies also involved. Although genetics might be involved, this problem is primarily driven by changes in lifestyle, particularly in urban areas.
Dietary shifts—people are relying more on processed foods, fast food, and sugary drinks that are loaded with heavy calories but little nutritional value, which can be said to be a major contributing factor to obesity.
Sedentary lifestyle—in this modern era, people are spending more time sitting at their computer desks, and also, increased screen time drastically reduces physical activity, which leads to weight gain.
Urbanization—among other things, rapid urbanisation has brought fast food and processed foods to our steps and made them easily accessible. Lack of home-cooked meals, which have high nutritional values, is one of the reasons for weight gain and many other health problems.
Lack of physical activity—due to busy lives, people are dropping outdoor activities and other physical activities, contributing to sedentary behavior.
Genetics—genetically, some people are more prone to being overweight compared to others; their lifestyle decisions can aggravate the genetic risks.
So, it is recommended to understand and deal with these issues, which is the key to preventing obesity and its related health complications.
Is obesity surgery a life-changing solution?
Yes, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing solution for obese people. It helps them lose around 50% to 80% of their excess weight within a year. Along with weight loss, people can experience improvement in many obesity-related health problems and in overall health. It boosts their confidence, which is key for long-term success.
Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight loss surgeons in Hyderabad, says that bariatric surgery is the path for people who are serious about transforming their health in the long term. After surgery, you should adapt to a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise to maintain the weight you lost for a long time. If you do so, you can reclaim control over your life and feel more confident. Looking for the best bariatric surgeon in the city? Call +91 91777 77715 and book your consultation today.
