Obesity is gateway to several risky diseases, warn healthcare experts

Team L&M

With an aim to raise awareness about the emerging health concern of obesity, the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), conducted a webinar on Obesity: An Impact of Covid 19 Pandemic. The webinar was a part of its Illness to Wellness campaign.

While giving his perspective on obesity, Dr Anshuman Kaushal, Senior Consultant, Head Unit 2 & Academic Coordinator, Department of General, MI & Bariatric Surgery, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram shared the significance of Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated with height and weight measurements. “The ideal BMI should lie between 18.5 to 22.5,” he revealed. His thoughts on the feast-famine diet was also an eye-opener as we have been surrounded by food for the past two years. Whether out of boredom or during the work-from-home (WFH) scenario, food was just a click away. He emphasised that bariatric surgery comes in the picture only when diet and exercise have failed or when you are experiencing major health issues due to the weight.

Dr Sugeeta Mutreja, Ayurvedic Doctor and Nutritionist, Aarogya Diets and Nutrition Clinic mentioned when a person is obese, he/she has trouble breathing as the lung capacity reduces. She said, “Fruit intake and balanced diet is really critical for being healthy and fit. One must eat home-cooked food, traditional and seasonal food instead of binging on junk food.”

Dr Vineeta Singh Tandon, Consultant, Internal Medicine, and Diabetologist, Pushpawati Singhania Hospital, and Research Institute (PSRI), New Delhi spoke about the issue of destructive immune system, which is related to obesity. “With this, there is a high chance of insulin resistance in the obese people which makes them more prone to diabetes,” she stated.

She added that sleep, meditation and yoga reduces stress, which is also an indicator of obesity. She suggested that adding fibre to diet and consuming food items that is low in sugar are advantageous. She also talked about obstructive sleep apnea that occurs due to weight.

Dr Ritika Dua, Dietician and Nutritionist recommended having herbal and detox water to keep the weight in check; it also helps to stay hydrated and healthy, which is essential to control obesity. She further said, a dietician and nutritionist recommends incorporating a high-protein, low-calorie diet into your everyday routine. Oats, bajra, and ragi are all beneficial to one’s health. It is critical to drink detox water first thing in the morning to boost immunity, she added.

Focusing on mindful eating and having a disciplined life, Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, said that like many chronic conditions, obesity too can be prevented if we follow a healthy lifestyle, stay active, take a balanced diet and adequate sleep.