World Obesity Day: AIIMS warns of obesity as a ‘Silent Disease’
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On the occasion of World Obesity Day, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi organized a press meet to discuss the serious health risks associated with obesity, the need for lifestyle changes, and the importance of surgery when necessary. This event aimed to advance the message of the Obesity Challenge recently announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which seeks to raise awareness about obesity in India and accelerate actions against it.
Obesity is Not Just a Cosmetic Issue, But a Serious Disease: Doctors’ Warning
In the press meet, Dr. Naval Vikram Kishore, Professor of Medicine at AIIMS, stated that obesity is not just a cosmetic issue but a major cause of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He mentioned that obesity is a lifestyle disorder that can be prevented through proper diet and physical activity. He emphasized that BMI (Body Mass Index) and waist circumference are critical parameters for obesity in the Indian population, and timely control is essential.
Avoid Hidden Fats in Food: Dr. Parmit Kaur
Dr. Parmit Kaur, the chief dietician at AIIMS, highlighted the dangers of hidden fats in processed foods and said that many food items provide more fat than our daily needs, leading to obesity. She recommended adopting traditional eating habits, reducing the amount of oil, and consuming low-fat proteins. She added, “People focus on carbohydrates and proteins but often ignore hidden fats, which are a major cause of obesity.”
Surgery May Be an Option When Exercise and Diet Don’t Work: Dr. Asuri Krishna
Dr. Asuri Krishna, Additional Professor in the Surgical Department at AIIMS, stated that surgery should be a last resort when lifestyle changes fail to control weight and health issues start to escalate. He discussed various techniques of restrictive and malabsorptive surgeries. He cautioned, “Surgery is not a magical solution; proper diet and exercise are still essential. Adopting a wrong lifestyle can cause weight to increase again.”
Bariatric Surgery is Safe, Liposuction is Not a Treatment for Obesity: Dr. Manjunath Maruti
Dr. Manjunath Maruti, Additional Professor in the Surgical Department, explained that obesity has existed for thousands of years and is also influenced by genetic and hormonal factors. He emphasized that diet and exercise are the most important, but when these are ineffective, bariatric surgery can help increase life expectancy and prevent complications. He also clarified that liposuction is not a technique to reduce obesity but is performed to improve body shape.
Increasing Demand for Body Contouring Surgery: Dr. Shivangi Saha
Dr. Shivangi Saha, Assistant Professor in the Plastic, Reconstructive, and Burn Surgery Department, mentioned that after weight loss, there is often loose skin, which requires body contouring surgery. She advised that such surgeries should only be performed at reputable medical institutions and cautioned against relying too much on weight loss medications. She said, “Body contouring surgery is safe for individuals with a BMI under 30 who do not have any other obesity-related diseases.”
AIIMS Called for Collective Effort Against Obesity
At the end of the press meet, AIIMS Delhi described obesity as a chronic, progressive disease and called for early detection, lifestyle modification, and scientifically proven treatments to control it. AIIMS reiterated its commitment to continue research, education, and patient care to tackle the obesity issue.
