1 in 4 Indians overweight, but obesity still seen as ‘lifestyle’: Experts warn of growing crisis | India News

New Delhi: India is facing a growing obesity burden, with one in four people overweight, yet the condition is being misunderstood as a lifestyle problem rather than a disease, experts said at a recent panel discussion after World Obesity Day led by ICMR and AIIMS.Experts say that despite growing awareness, most people don’t seek treatment, and even those who try to lose weight struggle to keep it off. “We lack effective long-term interventions, and behavior change remains difficult,” said Dr Rajeev Bahl, secretary of the Department of Health Research and director general of the ICMR, pointing to widespread social and environmental barriers.He noted that unhealthy foods are often cheaper and more accessible, while healthier options remain difficult to consume.The panel assembled Dr. Bahl; Dr. Anup Mishra, Director, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation; Dr Naval Vikram, Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS; and Dr. Vandana Jain, Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology, AIIMS.Dr Kamini Walia, Scientist and Head, Department of Descriptive Research, ICMR, said obesity should be understood as a multifactorial disease driven by genetic, metabolic, environmental and social factors and should not be blamed on individuals.Doctors say the problem lies in everyday life. Dr. Naval Vikram said obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term management, which is influenced by diet, physical activity, psychological and environmental factors.The panel underlined that obesity often starts early. Childhood habits, family food choices and activity patterns play a key role, Dr Vandana Jain said, stressing the need for a healthy home environment.Dr. Anup Mishra points out that Indians develop metabolic complications at low body weight levels, which makes early detection important. He added that new anti-obesity drugs are not population-level solutions and should be used selectively with lifestyle changes.Experts also identified gaps in policy and implementation, saying that improving access to healthy food and creating space for physical activity remain key challenges.They also highlighted emerging research areas, including the gut microbiome, early-life nutrition and maternal health, which may shape obesity risk from early in life.A key concern remains stigma, which discourages people from seeking care. Experts say recognizing obesity as a disease can focus on long-term management and prevention.