Healthcare professionals and leading experts are advocating for obesity to be recognized as a chronic disease, emphasizing this as a vital first step towards a more systematic, long-term approach to resolving the obesity epidemic.
In a recent study by Novo Nordisk, involving 2,000 individuals with obesity (PwO) and 300 healthcare professionals in India, findings revealed the significant need for a comprehensive, sustained strategy to manage obesity. Dr. Maya Sharma, Vice President of Clinical, Medical, and Regulatory at Novo Nordisk India, highlighted the importance of going beyond basic lifestyle modification to support PwO. “Effective obesity management demands tools that not only promote initial weight loss but also help maintain it,” she stated.
One of the biggest challenges for PwO is maintaining progress over time. The report also shows that more than half of PwO return to their old eating habits, with 44% regaining lost weight within 6 months, indicating a need for sustainable support mechanisms. Many individuals with obesity face multiple comorbidities, including high blood pressure (32%), high cholesterol (27%), eating disorders (23%) and cardiovascular diseases (19%).
According to Dr. A.G. Unnikrishnan from the Chellaram Diabetes Institute, Pune, said, “We need an integrated approach that combines lifestyle modifications, behavioral support, medications and even surgery when necessary to achieve lasting health improvements”
Experts are urging healthcare providers to have open conversations about obesity with their patients, guiding them toward realistic, lasting weight management solutions and helping them understand the value of small, sustainable changes for long-term success in their weight-loss journey.
As experts emphasize, even a modest 5% weight loss can bring significant health benefits, yet misconceptions about treatment, especially concerning medication, remain prevalent. Government intervention is urgently needed to address obesity as a significant public health issue with substantial economic and social consequences. A multi-faceted approach with policy reforms, awareness campaigns and accessible healthcare solutions, is essential to tackle this challenge effectively.
