By Samachar Vishesh News
Jalandhar 28th November:- The World Obesity Federation
recognizes obesity as a "chronic, relapsing, progressive disease process,
associated with co morbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood
pressure and infertility.”A recent study also linked morbid obesity to 13 types
of cancer. Though India has historically battled malnutrition, the number of
obese people in the country has doubled in the last ten years – and this trend
is pronounced in urban areas. In Punjab, more than one-third of the population
is obese – and this proportion is higher in women, of whom an astounding 37%
are obese! India is the 3rd most obese nation with more than 13.5 cr
people suffering from Obesity, surpassed only by China and the US.
Dr
Gurvinder Singh Jammu, Director and Head Department of Surgery, Jammu Hospital,
Jalandhar while interacting with media persons,
here in Jalandhar explained that why obesity should not be taken lightly.
He said that Obesity is a complex disease that can impact the physical, mental
and socio-economic well-being of the individual. In my clinical experience,
obesity in women is associated with depression. This can fuel a vicious cycle –
if you don’t feel good, you eat comfort food. Unfortunately, the impact is not
only devastating for the individual but also for their personal life –
increasingly, obese patients are reporting marital problems that even lead to
divorce.
Urbanization often leads to sedentary
lifestyles with decreased levels of physical activity and higher consumption of
sugary and fatty food – all of which can contribute to rising levels of
obesity. Dr. G S Jammu added that the most common cause of rising incidence of
obesity in Punjab is sedentary life style and social habits that lead to
frequent dining out. There is an increasing tendency to eat junk food or
overeat at buffets. Usually these large meals are accompanied by high alcohol
consumption. Having said that, obesity is a multifactorial disease and can run
in families due to genetic factors. Such families should take extreme care in
their lifestyle and dietary habits.
Obesity can also affect children. Dr.
G S Jammu stressed that childhood obesity is a growing problem, Lack of outdoor
activities can fuel childhood obesity. These days, children are given mobile
phones and laptops
which they may find more entertaining than playing outside. Not only does this
lead to the risk of obesity, but also to Vitamin D deficiency – which is a risk
factor for both obesity and diabetes.
Despite the consequences of leaving
obesity untreated, obese patients do not always consult a medical
professional. Dr. G S Jammu observed
that in the Indian scenario, more than 60% of individuals wait more than 6-10
years to seek out medically sound weight-loss procedures. Usually such patients
are diagnosed with two or more co morbidities, such as diabetes. In my practice,
He has observed a rapid rise in the incidence of infertility, depression,
NAFLD, kidney failure, cancers, sleep apnea and heart attacks in patients.
Obesity treatment plans aim to limit
weight gain, and eventually help patients reach and stay at a healthy weight.
Treatment plans usually include diet and lifestyle recommendations, medications
and bariatric surgery for eligible patients. Dr. G S Jammu explained that when
obesity is treated effectively, many co morbid diseases also show improvement.
For instance, bariatric surgery is proven to help control Type 2 Diabetes in obese patients
and other co morbidities, which helps reduce mortality.
Dr.
G S Jammu pointed out that patients can
proactively consult a physician to understand whether they are eligible for
bariatric surgery – before problems develop, most patients seek bariatric
consultation when they develop Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or when they are
refused a knee replacement surgery by an orthopaedician. But with increasing
awareness about the role bariatric surgery can play in controlling obesity and
diabetes, patients can proactively seek medical advice before their conditions
worsen. Once there is a steady and uncontrolled weight gain, it is best to
consult a medical expert who can help identify the cause and advise corrective
measures.
Dr.
G S Jammu added that Worldwide, of the
four million deaths attributed to excess body weight in 2015, nearly 40%
occurred among those whose body mass index (BMI) was above the threshold of
obesity, i.e., 30 or above. Stigma associated with Obesity leads to
patients not seeking the right treatment and blaming themselves for the
condition, obesity is a Disease which needs treatment by obesity specialist,
and government is also taking it seriously and taking strong steps to halt the
increasing incidence. The National Multisectoral Action Plan for prevention and
control of common NCDs. NMF. National Monitoring Framework Ayushman Bharat and
Fit India Moment are namely the main ones.
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