Srinagar, Mar 04 (KNO): Obesity results from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, with unhealthy diets and a sedentary lifestyle being major contributing factors, doctors say.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), several doctors said that obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and strokes.
Dr Mushtaq at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) said obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than they burn, leading to excessive fat accumulation in the body.
"Obesity raises blood pressure (hypertension) and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Excess fat leads to insulin resistance, raising blood sugar levels," he said, adding that obesity can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), potentially leading to liver damage, and it heightens the risk of breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers.
Dr Muzamil at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag said that a sedentary lifestyle affects both physical and mental well-being.
"Research shows that prolonged inactivity is linked to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline," he said. "An inactive lifestyle is also associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer."
The doctor added that aside from unhealthy diets and a sedentary lifestyle, other major causes of obesity include genetic factors, hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome, as well as stress, depression and emotional eating.
Doctors warned that obesity leads to osteoarthritis due to excess weight on joints, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety and higher mortality rates due to associated illnesses.
To prevent obesity, doctors recommend consuming balanced meals rich in fibre, proteins, and healthy fats, engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, ensuring proper sleep, managing stress, avoiding junk food, and undergoing regular health checkups to monitor weight and underlying conditions.
According to NFHS data, 20.5% of men and 29.4% of women in Jammu and Kashmir are overweight or obese.
A study in Kashmir found that 15.01% of the population was obese, with 7.01% of men and 23.69% of women classified as obese.
Doctors stress that raising awareness about obesity and promoting a healthier lifestyle is crucial in reducing its prevalence and associated health risks—(KNO)