The Obesity Epidemic: A Growing Concern in India and Beyond
Obesity is an ongoing global crisis affecting both developing and developed countries. Shockingly, there are more overweight and obese individuals than there are those who are underweight worldwide today.
The troubling news? India is among the top 10 countries with the highest obesity rates. What’s even more alarming is that morbid obesity is spreading rapidly among young children and adolescents. Studies over the past few years have revealed that nearly 73% of urban Indians are overweight.
The situation is dire — we are becoming heavier by the day.
The Dual Epidemics: Obesity and Malnourishment in India
India faces a unique challenge, as it is combating two epidemics simultaneously: obesity and malnourishment. What many fail to realize is that a significant portion of the obese population is also malnourished, suffering from various nutritional deficiencies. Despite being overweight, they lack essential nutrients necessary for optimal health.
Having worked as a bariatric surgeon for over 10 years, my primary focus is to help individuals prevent and combat obesity and its associated risks. This mission is also the driving force behind the establishment of CODS, an initiative dedicated to understanding and fighting obesity.
Understanding Obesity: More Than Just Excess Weight
Obesity is not just about being “fat.” It is a progressive, life-threatening condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation. The most severe form, morbid obesity, is defined as being 45 kg (100 lbs) overweight or having a BMI of 37.5 or higher.
India faces another worrying paradox: while many babies appear thin, they are often actually “fat” in terms of body fat percentage. They may not weigh much, but they have higher body fat and lower muscle mass.
What’s Next?
Next week, I will delve into my work at CODS and explore how we help address obesity and its related issues. Stay tuned!
How to Calculate Your BMI
In the meantime, here’s a useful resource on how to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), a helpful tool for assessing your weight in relation to your height: BMI Calculator.
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