Obesity has silently escalated into a formidable public health crisis in India. A country once plagued by food scarcity now struggles with an overabundance of processed, calorie-dense foods, fuelling a surge in obesity rates. This drastic shift, compounded by increasingly sedentary lifestyles, has triggered alarming consequences—not just for individuals but for the nation’s overburdened healthcare system. With India already holding the dubious distinction of being the diabetes capital of the world, the rapid rise in childhood obesity is paving the way for chronic conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
Combating obesity demands a multidimensional approach that extends far beyond medical interventions. Lifestyle discipline must begin at home, with parents leading by example—prioritizing home-cooked, balanced meals over fast food. Schools, too, have a critical role in shaping healthy eating habits and integrating physical activity into children’s daily routines. Meanwhile, urban planning must incorporate accessible public parks and sports facilities to promote an active lifestyle at the community level.
For individuals grappling with severe obesity, modern medical advancements provide a spectrum of solutions. From dietary modifications and medications to minimally invasive procedures and bariatric surgery, options abound. Yet, psychological factors remain a crucial but often overlooked dimension. Many battling obesity endure social stigma, emotional distress, and even depression, creating a vicious cycle of overeating and isolation. A sustainable solution requires a holistic strategy—one that combines lifestyle discipline, medical expertise, and mental health support to foster long-term well-being.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at Illness to Wellness, an interactive session on obesity and its adverse impact on health organized by ASSOCHAM, Dr. Kapil Kochhar, Head (Unit II), General & Minimally Invasive Surgery, Artemis Hospitals, sheds light on India’s escalating obesity crisis. He discusses proactive measures to curb rising obesity rates, explores cutting-edge medical treatments and surgical interventions, and underscores the psychological dimensions of weight gain. Here are the key takeaways from his insightful discussion.
Q: How critical is the obesity crisis in India?
A: India once struggled with food shortages. Fast forward 40 to 50 years, and the challenge has shifted—not to scarcity, but to surplus. Yet, the real concern isn’t just abundance; it’s the deteriorating quality of food. Highly processed, calorie-laden diets have fuelled an alarming health crisis. India now holds the grim title of the world’s diabetes capital. Obesity is surging, not just among adults but alarmingly among schoolchildren, with cases of severe obesity becoming increasingly common.
Q: What proactive measures should Indians take to control the rising obesity crisis, and what medical resources are available to support them?
A: Controlling obesity in India requires more than just medical intervention. The real challenge lies in the erosion of discipline, which has spiralled out of control. This issue starts at home, extends to schools, and is exacerbated by rising disposable incomes and the growing trend of eating out. Home kitchens are rarely used, and dining out has become the norm—driven by peer pressure, media influence, and changing lifestyles. Addressing obesity must begin with restoring discipline at the family level.
Consider this: If a child insists on eating pizza or burgers, and a parent scolds them but then immediately asks for five parathas or a serving of gajar ka halwa, the message is lost. Children learn by example. If parents want their kids to adopt healthier habits, they must first practice them themselves.
Schools also play a crucial role. Beyond educating students about nutrition, schools should monitor what children bring in their tiffin. This level of regulation is essential to instil healthy eating habits from an early age.
Equally important is physical activity. Unfortunately, neighbourhood parks have vanished, roads are unsafe for walking, and footpaths are non-existent. Without access to proper spaces for exercise, sedentary lifestyles are inevitable. This is where the government must step in—developing well-equipped sports centres, encouraging structured training, and fostering a culture where sports are not just a hobby but a passion, a career, and a necessity.
Q: What advanced medical treatments and surgical options are available today to combat obesity effectively?
A: After addressing other factors, we turn to medical interventions for weight management. The process begins with simple steps—diet assessments, customized diet charts, and oral medications. If necessary, we escalate to injectable treatments that help regulate weight. These measures alone can achieve significant weight loss.
If these methods prove ineffective or the individual’s weight exceeds manageable limits, we offer non-surgical solutions like intra-gastric balloons. These devices, often placed on an OPD basis, remain in the stomach for about a year and facilitate a 15 to 20 percent weight reduction.
For severe cases where other treatments fail, bariatric surgery becomes the next option. This procedure alters the digestive system, enabling substantial weight loss while ensuring long-term weight maintenance.
Q: What role do psychological factors play in weight gain, and how can they be managed to prevent obesity?
A: Psychology and weight gain are deeply interconnected. Obese individuals often face ridicule, starting in school, where peers mock them. This social rejection pushes them into isolation. With little to engage in, they turn to food for comfort. Over time, their eating habits spiral, leading to even more weight gain, creating a vicious cycle.
The challenges extend beyond social settings. They struggle to find clothes that fit. When seeking jobs, employers often overlook them due to their weight. This constant rejection fuels depression, which in turn can lead to suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and, inevitably, further overeating—worsening the problem.
Addressing obesity isn’t just about diet and exercise; psychological well-being plays a critical role. Without tackling the mental health aspect, breaking this destructive cycle becomes nearly impossible.
