Obesity on rise ‘due to unhealthy eating habits’

About 14 per cent of population of the state is struggling with obesity and it is rising due to unhealthy eating habits. This was revealed during an Obesity Outreach Programme that was organised recently by the Department of General Surgery, Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, in collaboration with the Obesity Surgery Society of India.

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While addressing mediapersons, Dr Vivek Bindal, executive body member of the society, said while obesity rates are currently low in Himachal Pradesh, they are expected to rise as unhealthy food has become increasingly accessible.

“In rural areas, children often choose cheap snacks like chips and biscuits, which can have harmful long-term effects,” he added.

He also stressed the detrimental impact of excessive screen time on physical activity, contributing to poor eating habits and

unhealthy lifestyles.