Andhra Pradesh 5th most obese in India

November 26 is observed as the World Anti-Obesity Day and doctors advise people to practice a healthy lifestyle.

Sedentary lifestyle is one of the main reasons for obesity, say experts. Doctors found that irregular intake of food, consumption of junk food, lack of exercise and insufficient sleep contribute to obesity.

In India, 30 per cent of the population is obese. People in the age group of 11-70 years are being treated for obesity. Doctors are even suggesting laparoscopic or bariatric surgeries as the last option.

By laparoscopic surgery, a person can instantly lose four to five kilos. The patient may need to rest for two days after the surgery. Dr M. Kishore said, “Laparoscopic surgery is also called keyhole surgery or minimal invasive surgery. The doctors select high-fat areas and inject a saline solution. After a while, the fat liquifies and can be sucked out of the body. This can remove fat from specific areas.”

Dr V. Suresh Kumar of Boppana Hospital said, “We have observed central obesity among Indians, where fat is collected around the abdomen. Bariatric metabolic surgery can be of three types the sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and mini-gastric bypass. In case of sleeve gastrectomy, doctors remove a large portion of the stomach.

This reduces the intake of food and initiates use of excess fat in the body. In gastric bypass, the stomach is divided into two parts which are connected using a part of the intestine. Depending on the person’s body mass index, mini-gastric bypass can be suggested.”

These surgeries can be performed on patients with diabetes and cardio-vascular problems and doctors say that the results are encouraging. Dr Suresh said, “These days, people are becoming aware of the complications of obesity and want to get treated.”