New Delhi: The new obesity guidelines, which emphasize weight management and BMI thresholds for identifying obesity-related disorders, may inadvertently delay the diagnosis of arthritis by excluding the early symptoms of arthritis in overweight and obese individuals. According to the new rules, doctors might focus more on treating weight before thoroughly evaluating other possible illnesses. Since obesity is a known risk factor for joint stress and inflammation, symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, or swelling may be attributed to it alone rather than being treated as a separate diagnosis of arthritis.
Can the updated obesity guidelines prevent arthritis?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Shrey Kumar Srivastav, senior consultant, at Sharda Hospital, said, “By possibly ignoring the early symptoms of arthritis in overweight and obese people, the new obesity guidelines, which place a greater emphasis on weight management and BMI thresholds for identifying obesity-related illnesses, may unintentionally postpone the diagnosis of arthritis. The new guidelines suggest that before fully examining other potential diseases, physicians may concentrate more on treating obesity. Instead of treating arthritis as a distinct diagnosis, symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, or swelling could be ascribed to obesity alone because it is a known risk factor for joint stress and inflammation.”
India’s Diabetes Capital status owed to obesity?
Dr Narendra Shetty – Chief Wellness Officer, Kshemavana, while answering the same, said, “Yes research evidence has confirmed that India is the diabetes capital and the major contributing factor is obesity. Obesity is the combination of high calorie, high fat, high sugar consumption which leads to increased visceral fat and ultimately diabetes. According to the national family health survey in India (approximately 6.4% of women and 4.0% of men) whose aged 15-49 years are prone to diabetes which further exacerbates the situation of diabetes.”
The updated obesity guidelines focus on diet, lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery as a comprehensive approach to obesity management. These guidelines focus on obesity which might inadvertently delay the diagnosis of obesity. The guidelines recommend a treatment matrix based on the grade of obesity which focuses on weight loss and obesity management as well as the underlying condition like arthritis. However, these guidelines emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, which includes monitoring health-related conditions including arthritis.
“The updated policies and guidelines can help, but this is a complex issue. The research says that the more the availability of convenient and quick foods contributes to the rise of obesity rates. The guidelines provide the outlook of healthcare providers to address obesity, which might not directly impact the food industry or consumer behaviour. However, providing awareness and education about healthy eating and lifestyle may help individuals to make wise decisions. Moreover, guidelines such as obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India help implement the regulations that promote a healthy environment and food products,” Dr Shetty concluded.
The updated obesity guidelines focus on diet, lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery as a comprehensive approach to obesity management. These guidelines focus on obesity which might inadvertently delay the diagnosis of obesity. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
