Ludhiana News/DMCH organises Walkathon-2013 on World Anti-Obesity Week

Ludhiana, November 25, 2013: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century, with morbid obesity affecting 5% of the country's population. India is following a trend of other developing countries that are steadily becoming more obese. Unhealthy, processed food has become much more accessible following India's continued integration in global food markets. Indians are genetically susceptible to weight accumulation especially around the waist. Punjab has already become the No.1 state as far as obesity is concerned ,followed by Kerela and Goa said Dr. Ashish Ahuja Associate Professor of Surgery and Bariatric Surgeon at DMCH along with Dr.P.S.Nain, Bariatric Surgeon & Organizers of ‘Walkathon-2013’ in which almost 500 medical, nursing & school students participated and prepared placards &posters on anti-obesity. The march was flagged off by ADC-Dr Neeru Katyal Gupta.

School students from Guru Nanak Public School, Birmi Branch also participated along with Davinder Singh Nagi a fine arts teacher & a cyclist. First prize was given to followed by 2nd Ludhiana Dr Neeru Katyal Gupta along with Principal Dr Daljit Singh. The march progressed with lots of fun and enthusiasm and was also supported by Rotarians from Rotary club Ludhiana Greater under the leadership of President Dr.R.S.Thind. DMCH doctors are working from last many years to control the obesity curse by introducing newer forms of weightloss surgeries which help in resolution of Diabetes mellitus type 2,blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnoea and prevent heart diseases. Now we have many patients with weight more than 100 kgs from the elderly population badly affected by osteoarthritis, diabetes and blood pressure who need some or the other help to perform routine jobs said Dr.Ahuja and after the surgery they got lot of relief as they lost around 30-40% of excess body weight and are independent to perform their routine works with diabetes resolution .The whole week will be observed as Anti-obesity week as World anti-obesity day is being observed world over. A few patients who had undergone obesity surgery at DMCH also participated in the walkathon and told how they feel now after the Obesity Surgery. Dr Daljit Singh also warned the students about the alarming rise in childhood obesity amongst school going children.