A Q&A interview with Dr Amit Dias
On the occasion of World Obesity Day, observed every year on March 4, Dr Amit Dias weighs in with valuable insights into the growing obesity crisis, its impact on health, and how we can tackle this issue effectively “It’s time to change systems for healthier lives,” he says as he explains the ABC for fighting the modern epidemic of obesity.

Goan Observer: Obesity is often described as a modern epidemic. Just how big is the problem globally and in India?
Dr Amit Dias: Obesity is no longer just a personal health concern — it has become a global crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity, including 650 million adults, 240 million adolescents, and 39 million children. More people now die due to complications of being overweight or obese than due to being underweight.
In India, we are among the top three countries battling an obesity crisis. Reports indicate that obesity rates are rapidly rising, particularly in urban areas. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) revealed that 24% of men and 22% of women in India are overweight or obese, a sharp increase from previous years. This rise in obesity is deeply concerning because it significantly increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
I am happy that the government of Goa is launching CARE, a new initiative to study the risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Goa. In order to prevent disease, we need to get to the root cause and change the system that promotes obesity.

Q: This brings me to this year’s theme for World Obesity Day — Changing Systems, Healthier Lives. What does this mean?
A: This theme highlights that obesity is not just an individual problem; it is a systemic issue. While personal choices matter, we cannot ignore the role of external factors such as:
• Unhealthy food environments – The easy availability of processed, high-calorie foods.
• Sedentary lifestyles – Technology and urbanization have reduced physical activity.
• Marketing strategies – Junk food advertisements target children and young adults.
To combat obesity, governments, healthcare systems, and communities need to work together to create an environment that promotes healthier living. Policies that regulate food quality, encourage physical activity, and promote public awareness are crucial.

Q: Which countries have the highest obesity rates, and where does India stand?
A: This keeps changing… the countries with the highest obesity prevalence include: United States, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt
India is also among the leading nations with the fastest-growing obesity rates. This is primarily due to changes in dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and increasing urbanization. The challenge ahead is immense, but with timely intervention, we can reverse this trend.
The concern is that obesity is no longer an urban or adult concern — it’s crawling and making inroads into rural homes and school classrooms. Research published by me had revealed that 8% of the school children in Goa were overweight or obese. We need to study the current situation and take corrective steps or else all the gains in public health and infection control over the years will be reversed by the obesity epidemic.

Q: What factors are fueling the obesity epidemic in India?
A: Not many people may know, but the word “obesity” originates from the Latin term ‘obesus,’ which means ‘having eaten until fat.’ It was first used in medical literature in the 17th century. The word highlights what is fueling the epidemic. However it is not that simple… there are multiple factors that contribute to rising obesity in India:

Unhealthy Diets: Increased consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks and fast food.

Sedentary Lifestyles: Longer screen time, fewer outdoor activities, and desk jobs have reduced overall movement. How many of us will be guilty of sitting on the laptop or phone almost the whole day? How many of us spend time endlessly in from of the TV?

Cultural Norms: Traditional beliefs equate chubbiness with prosperity and health, leading to overfeeding. We feel that chubby babies are cute and we always seem to have the feeling that our children are not eating and we feed them junk.

Urbanization: Easier access to high-calorie food and a decline in physical labor have worsened the problem.

Q: How is obesity measured and classified?
A: The most widely used measure for obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). although it’s not right to only rely on this measure: It’s measured by the formula- weight in kg/ height in meters squared.
WHO Criteria:
BMI ≥ 25 – Overweight
BMI ≥ 30 – Obese

• Indian Criteria (More Stringent Due to Higher Risk):
BMI ≥ 23 – Overweight
BMI ≥ 25 – Obese

In addition to BMI, waist circumference is an important measure of obesity, especially for Indians who tend to accumulate fat around the abdomen, increasing their risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Q: Why is abdominal obesity (central obesity) more dangerous than general obesity?
A Fat distribution matters! There are two common types of obesity:
• Apple-shaped (Central Obesity): Fat accumulates around the abdomen.
• Pear-shaped: Fat accumulates around the hips and thighs.
Central obesity is particularly dangerous because excess fat around the abdomen is linked to higher risks of:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Stroke
Fatty liver disease

We had interviews on each of these topics in the past and I urge the readers to refer to them to understand how to prevent each of these diseases.

Q: What is metabolic syndrome, and why is it a growing concern?
A: Metabolic Syndrome is a combination of health conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It includes:
•High blood pressure
• High blood sugar levels
• Excess abdominal fat
•Abnormal cholesterol levels
People with metabolic syndrome are at twice the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Addressing obesity can significantly reduce these risks.

Q: What can individuals do to prevent and reverse obesity?
A: A simple approach is to follow the ABC rule for weight management:

• A – Adopt healthy habits: Choose home-cooked meals, limit processed foods, and exercise daily.
• B – Balance calories: Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overeating.
• C – Control weight: Track BMI and waist circumference regularly, and take action if needed. You need to create a calories deficit if you want to reduce weight. It means you simply need to reduce your portion size and cut down on the amount of calories.

Here are some practical tips:

Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Reduce sugar and unhealthy fats in your diet.

Be physically active — Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily.

Get enough sleep and manage stress — Lack of sleep can increase hunger hormones.

Q: Any final message for our readers?
A: Obesity is preventable and reversible with the right lifestyle changes. We must shift from a culture of convenience to a culture of health. Small daily changes –like choosing water over soda, walking instead of taking the elevator, or swapping fried foods for fresh salads — can make a big difference.
Remember, we should eat to live, not live to eat. Let’s take responsibility for our health and support each other in making healthier choices. Together, we can build a healthier future!