NAGPUR: Chubby cheeks are liked because they are cute, but lurking beneath the surface is a potential epidemic – obesity. Given its alarming rise, doctors from across the globe have converged in the city for the 16th annual conference of the All India Association for Advancing Research in Obesity (AIAARO).
This pandemic, they caution, is not just about expanding waistlines but is a gateway to various lifestyle diseases, from hypertension to diabetes and even infertility.
Dr Priti Phatale, a specialist in childhood obesity and an accredited member of the World Obesity Federation (WOF), issued a warning. “The WOF has given a final call as 50% of the world’s population will be grappling with obesity by 2035 if we don’t act now,” she said.
While analysing the statistics, she emphasized that there is a 100% annual increase in obesity among boys, and 125% in girls. Obesity rate in children is a staggering 9.7% against 5.2% in adults.
Painting a grim picture, Dr Phatale said, “Over 70% of these obese children will carry their weight into adulthood, facing diseases and infertility issues, raising serious concerns about the very fabric of human existence.”
Dr Amit Gupta from Delhi, presented a straightforward remedy: “Regular exercise is the key to combating the obesity pandemic.” In simple terms, he said, “Just walking won’t cut it; a brisk walk or a run is a must.”
Highlighting the benefits of aerobics, he suggested, “Regular aerobics coupled with weight training two or three times a week can work wonders – no need to lift heavy weights.”
President of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, Dr Rakesh Sahay, who is from Hyderabad, shed light on the science behind obesity by mentioning two types of the adipose tissue. “In obese individuals, white adipose tissue (WAT) undergoes profound changes, expanding, becoming dysfunctional, and triggering a low-grade inflammatory state. We should increase the number of brown adipose tissues which is a good fat,” he said.
Dr Sunil Gupta, the organizing chairperson of the conference, discussed the impact of obesity and hyperglycemia in pregnancy. “Pregnancy and obesity can be a risky combination. It’s crucial to manage weight and blood sugar levels during this period to ensure a healthy outcome for both the mother and the child,” he said.
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