Doctors attribute the growing cases of obesity to a sedentary lifestyle and intake of high calorie processed food On World Health Day (April 7),doctors stressed on incorporating simple tips in one's daily lifestyle in order to keep various ailments related to obesity at bay. Obesity is a growing problem in India owing to the sedentary lives that people lead. Plus,the problem is compounded as most of the people who suffer from it are in the age group of 20-40 years. Dr Ajit Mehta,cardiologist at Jehangir hospital,says There are simple tips for people to become active start with walking and dont sit continuously for more than 30 minutes. Take the stairs as often as possible,control cholesterol,eat low-fat,high-fibre foods. Eating a heart-healthy diet,managing blood pressure and losing weight are among just a few tips that can help one lead a healthy life. It is even more important to follow these tips as doctors are worried about the trend of obesity among adolescents. According to Dr Shrihari Dhore Patil,obesity surgeon,Of the 2400 patients we saw last year for obesity and associated problems,nearly 2000 patients were between the age group 20-40 years,with males outnumbering females 70:30. He adds that they have also seen around 50-60 adolescent children between the age group of 12-18 years last year who were obese. The male to female ratio being almost 1:1. The parents concern seemed limited to the abnormal weight gain but they did not seem to be serious about resolving the problem or the possible catastrophic consequences in adult life. Excepting five-six children,the follow up was very poor. Similar was the follow up for patients to whom dietary and lifestyle management was advised. Less than five per cent of these patients turned up for follow up, he says. High calorie processed food and sedentary habits were common to all cases of obesity. In 10 per cent patients,the obesity was linked to hormonal problems like Hypothyroidism. In the rest of them,obesity was related either to genetic predisposition or lifestyle. Almost 20 per cent had Type II Diabetes and half of these had high BP. Gastrointestinal and cancer surgeon Dr Sachin Vaze says,Excess weight is associated with higher risk of cancer. Cancer is largely a preventable disease. Its incidence can be reduced substantially by leading a disciplined lifestyle,exercising regularly and supplementing the diet with fruits and green vegetables.
