Experts, Industry Leaders Thrash Out Strategy To Tackle Obesity Crisis

Hyderabad: With obesity and metabolic disorders emerging as a major public health concern, healthcare experts, policymakers, industry leaders and community representatives came together in Hyderabad for the Gut and Metabolic Summit 2025 to discuss integrated, science‑driven and community‑focused strategies to prevent and manage metabolic diseases.

The two‑day summit, held at AIG on December 17-18, focused on the rising burden of obesity and related metabolic conditions, blending scientific deliberations with community engagement. National and international experts from multiple specialties discussed advances ranging from lifestyle medicine and gut microbiome‑based therapies to bariatric and endoscopic interventions, AI‑driven predictive genomics and personalised nutrition. Speakers emphasised that metabolic health is a complex, multi‑factorial challenge requiring cross‑disciplinary collaboration rather than isolated clinical interventions.

A key highlight of the event was a Community Awareness Programme that brought together IAS officers, technology innovators, healthcare professionals, industry representatives and patients. Discussions explored the social and economic impact of obesity on individuals, workplaces and communities, underscoring the need for prevention, early education and strong public‑private partnerships. By combining scientific insights with lived experiences, the programme aimed to extend the conversation beyond hospitals and into everyday life.

Addressing the summit, Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, said metabolic diseases demand a broader vision. “Obesity cannot be addressed through clinical care alone. It requires multidisciplinary leadership that integrates scientific innovation, preventive care and public awareness to create measurable community‑level impact,” he said, adding that AIG Hospitals is committed to advancing this integrated approach through education and strategic partnerships.

Dr Rakesh Kalapala, Director of the Centre for Obesity & Metabolic Therapy at AIG Hospitals, said the future lies in combining advanced medical care with lifestyle support and community involvement.

The summit reinforced the need for coordinated, cross‑sector action to extend the conversation beyond hospitals and into everyday life.

Addressing the summit, Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, said metabolic diseases demand a broader vision. “Obesity cannot be addressed through clinical care alone. It requires multidisciplinary leadership that integrates scientific innovation, preventive care and public awareness to create measurable community‑level impact,” he said, adding that AIG Hospitals is committed to advancing this integrated approach through education and strategic partnerships.

Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, Director of the Centre for Obesity & Metabolic Therapy at AIG Hospitals, said the future lies in combining advanced medical care with lifestyle support and community involvement.

The summit reinforced the need for coordinated action to tackle obesity, highlighting the importance of scientific innovation, preventive strategies and community awareness in achieving long‑term health outcomes.