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Punjab, India – In response to an escalating obesity epidemic, the MASSH Group of Hospitals has launched the ‘Obesity-Free Punjab’ campaign, a sweeping initiative combining community outreach, education, and advanced medical interventions to combat the state’s growing health crisis.
Obesity rates in Punjab are among the highest in India, with recent surveys indicating that 30.2% of men aged 15 to 49 are obese, the highest in the country, and 45% of women are overweight. In Ludhiana, the crisis is particularly acute: nearly 7% of children and 80% of adult women are affected by abdominal obesity, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Experts attribute these alarming figures to traditional dietary habits rich in dairy and fats, as well as increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
The ‘Obesity-Free Punjab’ campaign, launched in Ludhiana, aims to address these challenges through a multi-pronged approach:
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Community Initiatives: Outreach programs and educational sessions to raise awareness about the dangers of obesity and the importance of healthy living.
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Medical Interventions: Access to cutting-edge bariatric procedures and other weight-loss treatments, including non-surgical options like intragastric balloons and endoscopic plication.
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Financial Aid: Up to 25% financial support for economically disadvantaged patients requiring bariatric surgery, making advanced care more accessible.
Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly of MASSH Prolife Hospital emphasized the urgency, noting that obesity is not just a cosmetic concern but a major contributor to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. “Urbanization and lifestyle changes have led to a decrease in physical activity, worsening the obesity problem,” Dr. Jolly said.
The campaign has also received national attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting obesity as a dangerous lifestyle illness during his Mann Ki Baat address, calling for urgent action.
As the initiative rolls out, MASSH Group of Hospitals hopes to set a precedent for other regions battling similar health crises, advocating for a holistic approach that blends medical innovation with public education.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from recent news reports and public health surveys. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. The statistics and statements cited are as reported by the referenced sources and may be subject to updates or revisions as new data emerges.
