By Samachar Vishesh News
Chandigarh 26th 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 urban Chandigarh, more than one-third of the population is obese – and this
proportion is higher in women, of whom an astounding 42% 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. With a teeming population of young millennials who are helping the
nation to make a mark on the world map, the nation needs to be cognizant on how
it spends its scarce resources. At the cusp of growth, dealing with medical
conditions that arise from obesity, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes
(India has 80 million diabetics), joint problems, heart disease, and
respiratory issues can thwart the progress.
Dr Amit Garg , Chief Consultant , Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery,
Fortis Hospital, Mohali while interacting with media persons,
here in Chandigarh 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. Amit Garg added that the most common cause of rising incidence of obesity
in Chandigarh 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.
Amit Garg 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. Amit Garg 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, I have 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. Amit Garg 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. Amit Garg 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. Amit Garg 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.
To help ensure that severe obesity is
treated with proven methods, insurance coverage of obesity treatment is a key
policy step. Dr. Amit Garg emphasized
that, in his experience, many patients avoid
seeking obesity treatment due to financial concerns. Some even question whether
they should spend money on a ‘cosmetic’ need. Obesity is a serious medical
condition. Covering its treatment with insurance would cement awareness and
encourage many patients to seek appropriate medical treatment. He also informed
that Insurance also
now treats obesity treatment as per medical advice for morbidly obese. Though
there is rampant misinformation about obesity treatment but Right/Scientific
Therapy for the appropriate patient- Surgery is a viable option for 40+ BMI and 35+ BMI with co
morbidities - Insurance will cover medically advised treatment as per new IRDAI regulation and all policies
will have to comply from October 2020 onwards.
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