Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India is facing a growing obesity burden, with one in four Indians overweight, yet the condition continues to be misunderstood as a lifestyle issue rather than a disease, experts said at a recent panel discussion following World Obesity Day, led by ICMR and AIIMS.Experts said that despite rising awareness, most people do not seek treatment, and even those who attempt weight loss struggle to sustain it. “We lack effective long-term interventions, and behaviour change remains difficult,” said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR, pointing to wider societal and environmental barriers.He noted that unhealthy foods are often cheaper and more accessible, while healthier options remain harder to adopt.The panel brought together Dr Bahl; Dr Anoop Misra, Director, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation; Dr Naval Vikram, Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS; and Dr Vandana Jain, Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology, AIIMS.Dr Kamini Walia, Scientist and Head, Descriptive Research Division, ICMR, said obesity should be understood as a multifactorial disease driven by genetic, metabolic, environmental and social factors, and not reduced to individual blame.Clinicians said the problem is rooted in everyday life. Dr Naval Vikram said obesity is a chronic disease requiring long-term management, influenced by diet, physical activity, psychological and environmental factors.The panel underlined that obesity often begins early. Dr Vandana Jain said childhood habits, family food choices and activity patterns play a key role, stressing the need for healthier home environments.Dr Anoop Misra pointed out that Indians develop metabolic complications at lower body weight levels, making early identification critical. He added that newer anti-obesity drugs are not a population-level solution and must be used selectively along with lifestyle changes.Experts also flagged gaps in policy and implementation, saying improving access to healthy food and creating spaces for physical activity remain key challenges.They also highlighted emerging research areas, including gut microbiome, early-life nutrition and maternal health, which may shape obesity risk from early stages of life.A key concern remains stigma, which discourages people from seeking care. Experts said recognising obesity as a disease could shift focus towards long-term management and prevention.
