India faces rising obesity crisis as treatment options expand

INDIA is facing a silent but rapidly growing epidemic of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. Once considered largely a problem of Western nations, excess weight is now affecting millions across India.

Alarming national numbers

The numbers are alarming. Nearly 21.8 crore men and 23.1 crore women — almost one-third of the country’s population — are now classified as overweight or obese. With this rise comes an increase in diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease and heart disease.

Genetic vulnerability

What makes the situation even more worrying is Indians are genetically vulnerable to these conditions. Health experts say Indians tend to develop diabetes and heart disease at lower body mass index (BMI) levels compared to the West.

Punjab reflects trend

Studies suggest the state ranks second in the country in abdominal obesity, with over 57.2 per cent of the population affected. Among adolescents aged 10 to 16 years, nearly one in three children is battling obesity.

New injectable drugs

A new class of injectable medications has changed the conversation around weight loss. Drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic natural hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Patients using these weekly injections often report reduced hunger, feeling full earlier and improved control over portion sizes. Clinical studies suggest semaglutide can help patients lose around 15 per cent of their body weight, while tirzepatide may lead to weight loss of up to 20 per cent.

Costs, limitations

For many people who fear surgery, these injections appear to be an alternative. However, they also come with limitations. The medicines can be expensive and are not widely covered by insurance in India. Another concern is weight often returns once medication stops.

Surgery remains effective

Bariatric surgery remains one of the most effective treatments for obesity. Procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass can result in weight loss of 25 to 35 per cent of total body weight. They also show improvement in type 2 diabetes patients.

Treatment tools

Experts believe the debate should not be about choosing one treatment over the other. Instead, both options should be seen as tools in tackling obesity.

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— As told to Amritsar Tribune’s Manmeet Gill