Obesity invites over 300 diseases;

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The incidence of obesity is steadily increasing among children, women and men, with experts warning that it can lead to more than 300 diseases. They stressed that obesity needs to be taken as seriously as cancer and advised giving priority to traditional Indian food while avoiding western dietary habits to maintain weight control.

A two-day medical conference titled ‘Advanced School of Metabolism’ was held in the city, where Dr Nitin Kapoor from Vellore spoke on the medical assessment of obesity. Dr Neeta Deshpande from Belagavi highlighted the loss of muscle strength associated with obesity as age advances. Dr Amit Naghate, Dr Dhananjay Khatavkar and Dr Deepak Bhosale also participated in the panel discussion.

Dr Nitin Patankar from Mumbai stated that nearly 38 to 40 out of every 100 people are affected by obesity today, with joint pain now being observed in individuals in their 40s. Fat deposited internally in organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys and muscles is also considered dangerous.

Dr Archana Sarda said that obesity is now being recognised as a disease and requires treatment. Dr Amruta Bakshi from Pune added that the traditional Indian diet is the best way to prevent obesity. Gynaecologist Dr Sudarshan Nawal from Jalgaon noted that two out of every three women are found to be overweight, leading to multiple health complications.

Tips by experts:

– Get adequate sleep daily to prevent obesity

— Exercise for at least 30 minutes every morning; include weight training, Surya Namaskar and yoga

—Increase the intake of green leafy vegetables in the diet

— Avoid mental stress

Photo caption: Dr Neeta Deshpande from Belagavi guiding participants at the conference.