Experts discuss obesity management strategies at National Conference in India

The Future of Obesity Care, organised by the IJCP Group and the Asian Journal of Obesity, was held on 2 March 2025, bringing together medical experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss obesity management in India. The conference focused on evidence-based interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, and community-driven strategies to address the rising obesity crisis.

Obesity affects one in eight people worldwide. In India, 40 per cent of women and 12 per cent of men experience abdominal obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. The Economic Survey 2023-24 has highlighted the need for timely policy interventions, particularly targeting the youth, to mitigate obesity-related health risks. The conference, inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on converting awareness into actionable strategies to address this public health challenge.

“Obesity is a complex disease that cannot be tackled in isolation,” said Nilesh Aggarwal, CEO of IJCP Group. “The ‘Obesitas’ Conference served as a vital platform where leading experts from across India discussed the entire spectrum of obesity management, addressing both standard and specialised treatment approaches.”

Discussions covered lifestyle modifications, behavioural strategies, and advancements in pharmacotherapy. Experts also addressed the management of obesity in children, adolescents, and individuals with obesity-related complications, including heart, kidney, and liver diseases. Community-based awareness programmes and workplace wellness initiatives were also highlighted as essential components of a broader preventive strategy.

The organising committee, comprising Prof. Nishant Raizada, Dr. Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Dr. Sanjay Kalra, and Prof. Nitin Kapoor, stated, “The rising prevalence of obesity requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach as it presents in diverse ways and demands tailored treatment strategies. To enhance knowledge-sharing and improve patient care, it is imperative that healthcare professionals collaborate, undergo cohort learning, and implement the latest evidence-based interventions to combat obesity and its associated health risks. The ‘Obesitas’ Conference reaffirms the collective commitment of the medical community to addressing obesity through evidence-based care and patient empowerment.”

In addition to the national-level conference, the Asian Journal of Obesity, a quarterly publication, continues to serve as a resource for advancing scientific understanding in obesity care. The focus remains on education, innovation, and collaboration to reduce obesity-related complications and improve health outcomes.