Nagpur: In a wake-up call for health-conscious Indians, experts at the 16th conference of the All-India Association for Advancing Research in Obesity (AIAARO) in Nagpur highlighted the adverse impact of adopting a western lifestyle.
Dr Rajiv Chawla from Delhi said, “It’s true that we Indians tend to carry belly fat, a trait passed down through generations.In the past, our active lifestyle compensated for it, but with the shift towards a sedentary way of life and the convenience of modern amenities, this belly fat is becoming problematic.”
He pointed out that changes in eating habits also play a role. “We have embraced fast food and non-Indian cuisines, piling on empty calories and excessive carbohydrates. As we have embraced the foreign lifestyle, we need to be mindful of its impact on our health,” Dr Chawla cautioned.
The experts urged Indians to rethink their health parameters, suggesting a target BMI of under 23, compared to the general threshold of 25. Dr BM Makkar, AIAARO’s secretary, stressed on considering fat percentage.
“Looks can be deceiving; a slim appearance doesn’t guarantee low fat. The average fat percentage for Indian men is around 25%, and for women it’s 30%, already surpassing global standards. We need to focus on reducing fat, not just weight,” he advised.
Dr Makkar shared alarming statistics about Indian obesity. “The 2023 figure states that 30% overall population in India is obese, 40% urban population is obese, and 55% Indians living in cities carry visceral fats to high levels,” he said.
Former AIAARO president Dr Banshi Saboo recommended a holistic approach to fat reduction. “Sole reliance on fasting or aerobics can lead to muscle loss. A balanced approach involving exercises, weight training, and a proper diet is crucial for losing fat without sacrificing muscle mass,” he suggested.
Dr Sunil Gupta, the conference’s organizing secretary from Nagpur, emphasized the significance of weight loss in managing prevalent health issues. “Weight loss is the frontline treatment for conditions like diabetes and high BP. Shedding unnecessary weight can lead to diabetes reversal and prevent onset of over 300 diseases,” he said.
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