Press Release

Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern, but a gateway to riskier diseases

10th February 2022, New Delhi: As part of the ‘Illness to Wellness’ campaign, Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), an apex industry body, conducted a webinar on Obesity: An Impact of COVID–19 Pandemic’, with the key purpose to raise awareness about the emerging health concern of obesity. 

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 emphasized 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. Eat home-cooked food, traditional or seasonal food instead of binging on junk food during a pandemic.”   

Dr. Vineeta Singh Tandon, Consultant, Internal Medicine, and Diabetologist, Pushpawati Singhania Hospital, and Research Institute (PSRI), New Delhi enlightened on 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 fibres to your diet and consuming food items that is low in sugar will be advantageous. She also touched upon the topic of 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. 

Shri Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, in his welcome address said, “It is evidently clear that obesity, is one of the biggest co-morbidities which places a person at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications as it weakens the immune system, thus making the individual susceptible to infectious diseases”. 

Focusing on mindful eating and having a disciplined life, Mr. Rajput said that like many chronic conditions, obesity too is preventable with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, taking a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and so on. 

The session’s moderator, Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director, Total Care Control, Delhi–NCR, began with his observations on obesity and the tremendous shift in lifestyle throughout the pandemic, where people forgot to take responsibility for their health. This aspect of pandemic has been underplayed, the aftereffects of which will be felt later and by then it would be too late, he added.