Medical experts have underscored that obesity must be recognised and managed as a chronic, relapsing disease that is fuelling India’s non-communicable disease crisis. Beyond its visible impact, obesity is driving conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, reproductive complications, respiratory disorders, and psychosocial challenges—making it a critical public health priority.

Experts emphasised that tackling obesity requires strategies that extend beyond weight reduction to improving long-term metabolic health, preserving vitality, and reshaping how society understands the disease.

Expert Insights

• Education as the foundation of change:
  Dr. Sanjay Kalra, Consultant, Bharti Hospital Karnal, and Chairperson, Education Working Group, International Society of Endocrinology, highlighted the role of knowledge and capacity-building. He said, “Education is the foundation of change in the obesity epidemic. We must empower healthcare professionals with science that is accessible, practical, and compassionate. When knowledge translates into everyday clinical practice, we can create sustainable solutions that transform patient outcomes and reshape the way society views obesity.”

• Person-centred, regional strategies:
  Dr. Dina Shrestha, President, South Asian Obesity Forum, Kathmandu, Nepal, underlined the need for person-centred approaches. He said, “Obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term, patient-focused care. South Asia needs strategies tailored to its populations; care that improves metabolic health, enhances quality of life, and delivers results that endure.”

• Bridging science and practice:
  Prof. Nishant Raizada, Head, Department of Endocrinology, UCMS, New Delhi, said, “This conference brings forward the latest evidence in diagnostics, therapeutics, and multidisciplinary care. From lipocrinology and the microbiome to pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, we are creating bridges between cutting-edge science and real-world practice.”

• Addressing sarcopenic obesity:
  Prof. Nitin Kapoor, Department of Endocrinology, CMC Vellore, spoke about the hidden risks and added, “The combination of muscle loss and excess fat, sarcopenia with obesity, is becoming a silent driver of disability. A holistic approach to obesity care must focus on preserving strength, preventing complications, and ensuring long-term vitality.”

• Expanding medical education:
  Nilesh Aggarwal, CEO, IJCP Group and Medtalks, said, “Obesity is one of the defining health issues of our time. It is a condition that touches every speciality, every family, and every community. Through platforms like Medtalks and the Asian Journal of Obesity, our mission is to equip doctors with education and tools to lead this fight, so that care can extend far beyond weight reduction to building healthier, stronger lives.”

Advancing Solutions

New structured medical education initiatives, including the Medtalks Obesity Course and the Obesity Special Medtalks series, were unveiled at the Obesitas Midterm Conference 2025 in New Delhi to help clinicians integrate complex science into everyday practice.

Also read: Canon Medical Systems India Partners with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute to Advance Cancer Diagnostics

The Overarching Message

The consensus was clear: India must elevate obesity to the level of a medical and public health priority. By uniting science, education, and multidisciplinary care, sustainable solutions can be created to protect present and future generations.

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