It was earlier believed that obesity was less prevalent in rural areas, but now approximately 45 to 50 percent fall in the obese category.
Published Aug 20, 2024 | 1:53 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 20, 2024 | 1:53 PM
Obesity — excess body weight often resulting from poor dietary choices and lack of physical activity — often leads to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. However, is it only associated with non-communicable diseases, or does it go beyond?
During the inaugural Dakshin Healthcare Summit in Hyderabad, a panel discussion on Managing Obesity, Infertility & Lifestyle Diseases, explored how obesity is considered the root cause of many health issues.
South First and TV9 Network organised the summit.
Dr KD Modi, Endocrinologist and Senior Consultant at Care Hospital, highlighted the rapid increase in obesity rates in India.
“Earlier, it was believed that obesity was less prevalent in rural areas compared to urban areas, but now approximately 45 to 50 percent fall in the obese category. Childhood obesity is as high as 25 to 30 percent in urban India, up from 10 to 15 percent. Obesity is rising in both rural and urban regions,” he said.
Shashikant Iyengar, a founding member of dLife.in, discussed strategies for overcoming obesity, emphasising the importance of dietary changes.
“The key to addressing obesity is to avoid highly processed and high-glycemic foods, including those high in omega-6 oils, which can contribute to insulin resistance and, consequently, obesity,” he advised.
He recommended focusing on increased protein intake, regular exercise, and avoiding excess sugar and refined oils. Additionally, managing stress and ensuring proper sleep are crucial in preventing obesity. Iyengar also warned about insulin resistance, a condition often overlooked but a precursor to diabetes.
“If the HOMA-IR is 2 or higher, individuals are at risk of diabetes,” he explained. The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) measures insulin resistance and helps healthcare professionals suggest appropriate dietary changes.
Dr Rupa Banerjee, Director of the IBD Centre at AIG Hospitals, spoke about the role of gut microbiome in obesity. “Each person hosts a complex ecosystem of microbes. Imbalances in this ecosystem can lead to diseases, including obesity,” she said.
She highlighted a case in the US where a woman who received a stool transplant from an obese donor later developed obesity herself, underscoring the significance of gut microbiome health. This example stresses the need to address gut microbe imbalances when tackling obesity and other lifestyle diseases.
Dr Esther Sathiaraj, Head of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics at HCG, highlighted the significant link between obesity and various types of cancer.
“Obesity increases the risk of several cancers, including breast and colon cancer,” she noted. For cancer patients, weight management becomes crucial, especially when transitioning back to normal life or preparing for a transplant. “We advise patients to embark on a weight loss journey if they are finishing treatment or preparing for a transplant,” Dr Esther emphasized.
She also discussed the importance of BMI calculations in assessing transplant options for cancer patients. Among the various links between cancer and obesity, Dr Esther pointed out the issue of sarcopenic obesity—a condition characterised by low muscle mass.
She stressed the need for a tailored approach to improve overall health in such cases, focusing on increasing muscle mass and managing protein and carbohydrate intake to prevent obesity.
Dr Modi spoke on the fundamentals of food intake, sleep, and the importance of a balanced diet that includes quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fats. He noted that while 95 percent of diabetics resort to medication, many would prefer to avoid it. “Seventy to 80 percent of diabetes patients can manage their condition with lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments,” he opined.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
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