Bengaluru Anti-Obesity Day: Check stress, watch your diet

Bengaluru: The IT city is losing its battle against the bulge. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and released in January 33 per cent of women and 27.5 per cent of men in the IT city are obese. Shockingly the new report reveals that the number of obese people have almost doubled from the figures released in the previous survey in 2005-2006.

'Experts have expressed concern and called for immediate action. Due to the increased risk of morbidity and mortality, obesity is now being recognised as a disease in its own right.  

“Obesity can no longer be considered a lifestyle disorder and according to WHO, it is now considered a disease. Also, obesity cannot be pinned on overeating or inadequate exercise.” stresses Dr Sumit Talwar, Chairman, Bariatric Surgery, Manipal hospital.

He added that there are various reasons for obesity, including genetic predisposition and other lifestyle factors. Obesity can be due to stress as it makes your body secrete hormones which makes you put on weight, Dr Talwar said.

Obesity is also strongly associated with other metabolic disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers. Those with a body mass index (BMI) of 21 kg/m2 and above are at a risk.

Dr Mahesh D M, Consultant Endocrinologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal, advises creating your own perfect food plate. “An ideal food plate should include nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vegetables and fruits, milk and water, in appropriate proportions.” he said.

City Stats 2015-2016

Women who are overweight or obese: 33.4

Men who are overweight or obese: 27.5