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Obesity has become a major health problem in the Delhi-NCR area, with alarming numbers showing more people getting overweight. The Delhi government’s ‘Women and Men in Delhi: 2023’ report highlights a concerning increase in obesity among adults where the percentage of women classified as obese rose from 33.5% in 2015-16 to 41.3% in 2019-21 and men obesity rates increased from 24.6% to 38.0% during the same period.
A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that obesity is rising rapidly across India, especially in urban areas affecting women and individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
On World Obesity Day, widely observed on March 4, Dr Sachin Ambekar, Medical Director of Minimal Access Smart Surgery Hospital (MASSH) said there was a need to analyse the effect of obesity on everyday life to be able to address the problem holistically.
“Obesity can make even routine activities challenging. We frequently see patients struggling with hygiene issues, leading to severe infections in private areas because they are unable to clean themselves properly,” he said.
Citing real-life examples, he pointed out that many obese individuals hesitate to step out due to limited seating options. “They often find it uncomfortable to sit in cinema halls, and even air travel becomes a challenge, as they are sometimes required to book two seats,” Ambedkar added.
Ambekar linked obesity with onset of other diseases. “Obesity is not merely a cosmetic concern but a severe medical condition that can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even various types of cancer.”
Obesity goes beyond just appearance—it is a root cause of several health issues such as risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, infertility, and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, obesity is linked to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety.
Dr Sachin pointed out that four out of ten individuals are overweight and that females in urban areas are more affected followed by males and children.
High-calorie diets, soft drinks, over-eating, junk food consumption, and stress-induced overeating are major contributors to obesity. Additionally, rapid urbanisation and shrinking living spaces have led to reduced physical activity, while excessive screen time has further fueled a sedentary lifestyle.
With increasing cases of obesity, experts spoke about the need to educate the public and provide guidance for healthier lifestyle changes. The impact of obesity on individuals’ lives called for efforts to raise awareness, promote balanced diets, and encourage regular physical activity.
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