New Delhi: TV9 Network and South First, on Saturday, hosted a Dakshin Healthcare Summit 2024, a conclave organised to bring together leading doctors and healthcare experts of the country to talk about pressing issues in the industry and the many possibilities that can be created for a brighter future. From the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare to managing lifestyle and diet to live a longer, disease-free life, experts came together to shed light on topics that currently concern the country and its citizens.
In one of the segments of the summit, leading doctors from across hospitals discussed one of the most essential topics and a group of health conditions that plague the young generation at present – managing obesity, infertility, and lifestyle diseases.
What is the prevalence of obesity among adults and children in India?
While talking about the prevalence of obesity in adults and children in India, doctors shared some statistics that surprised many. In India, the rates are spiking at a worrisome pace, and as it turns out, 45-50% of adults living in urban India are currently suffering from obesity. Furthermore, the incidence of childhood obesity has also increased to 35%. Rural India, too, is not safe from this where obesity rates increased from 15% to 20%.
Where is India going wrong?
Regarding obesity, doctors came together to discuss where India is going wrong concerning the increasing incidence of obesity. Experts said this can be blamed upon the influx of ‘modern processed, junk food’. This group of foods has a high glycemic index, and it also includes a high intake of omega-6 oils which consequently leads to insulin resistance and obesity. As a preventive measure, experts recommended abstaining from processed food, sugar, and refined oil. To prevent the same, increasing protein intake – 1 gram per kilogram of body weight – was advised. Coupled with exercise, it can help reduce the effects of other macronutrients like carbs and fats. This, doctors said, can greatly help combat the issue of obesity.
Why is infertility on the rise?
While talking about infertility, doctors started by saying that most couples conceive within one year of conceiving – this accounts for 85% of the couples. By the 2nd year, only 7% plan a baby. Later, with age, the odds of conception reduce. And if a woman is younger than 35 years, then medical intervention usually begins after one year of trying. While ideally, it should begin in 4 months, depending on the woman’s age. While explaining the link between obesity and infertility, experts said that it can affect both men and women, but in women, specifically, fertility dips by 50% if one is obese.
In one of the segments of the summit, leading doctors from across hospitals discussed one of the most essential topics and a group of health conditions that plague the young generation at present – managing obesity, infertility, and lifestyle diseases. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
