Expert suggests bariatric surgery for obesity patients

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, November 28

Throwing light on the extending rate of obesity in the country, Dr Gurvinder Singh Jammu, on Thursday, stated that as per the latest research, the obesity rate in the country has crossed 8-10 per cent, in the past 13 years. Besides, Punjab tops the chart of obesity rate across the country. Besides looking at the current scenario, he said, ‘Diabesity’ (Diabetes +Obesity) has become an epidemic in the state.

While addressing a seminar on treatment methods for curing obesity, which has been declared as a chronic, relapsing and progressive disease process, he said the obese population in the country includes 21 per cent women, 19 per cent men and more than 20 per cent are children, that sums up to 135 million individuals affected by obesity across the country.

“Though India has historically battled malnutrition, the number of obese people in the country has doubled in the past 10 years and the trend is pronounced in urban areas. In Punjab, more than one-third of the population is obese – women in higher proportion”, added Dr Gurvinder.

He said: “In most of the cases, the obese individuals consider obesity only as extra fat in their body and avoid to consult medical professionals. However, obesity always leads to two or more comorbidities like diabetes, infertility, depression, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.”

Emphasising obesity as a serious medical condition, the doctor mentioned that the treatment plans usually include diet and lifestyle recommendations, medications and bariatric surgery for eligible patients. The patients can also seek government assistance and medical insurances for treating obesity.