‘Obesity leading cause of non-communicable diseases’

Experts stress the need to adopt active lifestyle, consume healthy diet to prevent obesity

KARACHI: Former Test cricketer Younis Khan has said that obesity is now considered a disease, which leads to other ailments such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Addressing a press conference, organised by 'Fight Obesity', a non-profit organisation, on Tuesday, Khan said, "I urge people to adopt an active lifestyle, workout daily and consume a balanced diet." He also stressed the importance of educating children about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and encouraged children to participate in sports.

Bariatric surgeon Dr Tanvir Raazi Ahmed said that 'Fight Obesity' was launched keeping in view the growing problem of obesity. "Nearly 14 million children are obese in Pakistan while the total number of people with obesity has crossed 45 million in the country," he said, adding that the figures were alarming. Dr Ahmed said that obesity was leading cause of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular problems and different types of cancers.

He said, "It is estimated that around 4 million people die annually due to obesity and diseases related to it in Pakistan," adding that obesity was a "preventable and treatable" health issue.

He stated that chronic obesity could be treated through medicines and bariatric surgery combined with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Pakistan Psychiatry Society President Prof Iqbal Afridi said that obesity could lead to mental illnesses, while psychological issues could also cause obesity.

"Obesity is one of the causes of depression and anxiety in both men and women," he said. "We need to educate people that consuming food in limited quantities is a healthy practice and it will not only improve their physical health but will also [help] keep them mentally fit."

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2020.