Awareness key to beating obesity: docs

NAVI MUMBAI: From being a limber dancer in college to about 40kg overweight after she had her f i rst child, 29- year- old Chandreyee Bhattacharya was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian disorder and diabetes. After battling with her body for years, she found relief in the form of bariatric surgery.

City doctors have seen a steady rise in patients suffering from obesity and other related diseases. November 26, observed as Anti-Obesity Day every year, stands as a day to spread awareness on the lifestyle disease, and the way it is gripping developing countries.

While morbid obesity is rising in the North America and Europe, countries such as India are experiencing a rise in metabolic diseases (which disrupt normal metabolism) among people with sub-morbid obesity.

According to the WHO projec tions, at least one third of the world’s population is overweight and one-fifth of the world’s people are obese. “Being overweight or obese not only hampers the physical health of the individual, but also their psychological health. It is important that a patient feels fit, healthy and positive with or without surgery,” said Dr Sharad Sharma lapro scopic and weight loss surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Vashi. “We counsel our patients before opting for surgery. I advise all of them to undergo proper treatment.”

Doctors said a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20 or more is considered overweight, while a 30 or more is considered obese. “Being overweight or obese makes you susceptible to many health dis orders. Recent reports from the WHO reveal that nearly 70% of diabetic people are also obese or overweight,” said a Vashi-based dietician.

Doctors said over the past few years, there has been a rapid change in diet and lifestyle, not just in major cities, but smaller towns too, with people living much more sedentary lives