AIIMS Delhi Highlights Urgent Need for Action Against Rising Obesity Epidemic

New Delhi: AIIMS Delhi organized a press conference to highlight the detrimental health effects of obesity and the urgent need for preventive measures. The event echoed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's appeal to the nation to reduce oil consumption and combat the rising obesity burden in India.

The conference featured an address by Prof. M Srinivas, Director of AIIMS New Delhi, and insights from a distinguished panel of eight experts who discussed the importance of early intervention, dietary awareness, and lifestyle modifications.

Prof. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi, emphasized AIIMS Delhi's commitment to delivering credible, evidence-based information on nutrition. "AIIMS Delhi has been at the forefront of delivering vital information about nutrition to the country, from pioneering research on iodine to the use of zinc to control diarrhoea. As the national conversation shifts towards reducing oil consumption and promoting better nutrition practices to combat obesity, AIIMS experts can bring credible, evidence-based information," he stated. He also highlighted the importance of early nutritional education and school-based interventions, noting that positive awareness of healthy dietary habits could have a lasting impact.

Dr. Rajeev Narang, Professor and Head of Department of Cardiology, stressed the treatability of obesity, urging people to monitor their Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference. "Obesity is treatable, and it is crucial to tackle abdominal obesity, which significantly raises the risk of heart disease and hypertension," Dr. Narang remarked.

Dr. Naval Kishore Vikram, Professor in the Department of Medicine, discussed a shift in obesity classification, stating that abdominal fat accumulation in Indians makes BMI an imperfect measure. "Waist-to-height ratio is a more accurate indicator," he said. He added, "Obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease rather than a cosmetic concern," noting the increasing prevalence of obesity across all socio-economic groups, including rural areas.

Dr. Nitish Naik, Professor at the Department of Cardiology, called for early intervention before obesity leads to severe health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. "A systematic approach involving families to eliminate unhealthy food options and encourage healthier dietary choices is essential," he emphasized.

Dr. Nand Kumar, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, explained the connection between stress and obesity, attributing weight gain to oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances. "Use the C-A-L-M approach—Conscious activity, Active learning, Lifestyle modifications, and Mindfulness as a strategy to combat stress-induced obesity," he recommended.

Chief Dietician Dr. Parmeet Kaur and Senior Dietician Dr. Monita Gahlot stressed dietary changes, advocating for reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods, increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and improved food label literacy among consumers.

Dr. Asuri Krishna, Additional Professor of Surgical Disciplines, cautioned against bariatric surgery as a primary solution, emphasizing the critical role of diet and exercise in weight management.

Lastly, Dr. Rima Dada highlighted the role of yoga in managing obesity. She explained that obesity increases morbidity and mortality by triggering oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to gene dysregulation. "Research indicates that yoga helps counteract these effects by upregulating beneficial genes, improving overall health," she said. She recommended at least 30 minutes of daily yoga to encourage mindful eating and reduce stress.

The conference concluded with a collective call for dietary awareness, lifestyle changes, stress management, and structured school programs to address the growing obesity epidemic in India.