Over 250 obesity afflicted individuals participate in a first-of-its kind ‘run-a-thon’ in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, 23 November 2014

In a unique initiative to raise awareness on ‘Obesity’ which has assumed endemic proportions in India, a private hospital in Ahmedabad organized ‘Obesithon2014’ to mark World Anti-Obesity Day, wherein more than 250 obesity afflicted individuals i.e. weighing 85 kgs and more, participated for the cause.The run was flagged of by Dr. Hansraj Hathi, Tarak Mehta fame actor from Sabarmati Riverfront. Veteran Gujarati author Shri Tarak Mehta was present on this occasion.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Apurva Vyas, Bariatric Surgeon said ” It is alarming that about 10 % of total population in Gujarat suffers from obesity i.e. BMI above 30. What is more alarming is that 5% children in Gujarat also suffer from obesity. But what is important to note is that Obesity is a condition which can be treated and a conscientious treatment plan involving lifestyle changes, exercise and surgery can vastly improve the quality of life of the sufferers.”

“The participation of people on such a large scale alongwith obesity afflicted individuals who are currently being treated or planning to seek treatment for obesity is symbolic of the courage and health consciousness of the participants to spread the message. This is a good sign, since obesity can have serious consequences such as osteoarthritis, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, cancers like endometrial, breast and colon cancers, respiratory problems. Considering this, individuals suffering from obesity must focus on weight reduction through a combination of diet and physical activity. The main objective of organizing this program was to create awareness about the health-related risks associated with obesity and to increase awareness that it is possible to safely treat the condition” added Dr. Vyas.

According to a recent survey, India is the third most obese country in the world and it also affects children and adolescents to a great extent. Junk foods, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, Genetic causes and other physiological / clinical conditions have made Indians suffer from the silent and often debilitating epidemic of obesity.