NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, AUG 5
One of the leading gastroenterologists of the country made a clarion call that India stands third in the highest number of obese individuals in the world following USA & China and also we also ranked second in Child Obesity only behind China, which is not a healthy stat to be proud of. Lack of physical activity and westernization of diet have contributed vastly to this ever-increasing problem in India. Regular school health programme could arrest this trend, opined gastroenterologists.
This was stated by Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, GEM Hospital at the 7th edition of the annual conference “Obesicon” in Chennai, themed ‘Conquering Mount Obesity’. Department of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery from GEM Hospital – pioneers in minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic & robotic surgeries) and India’s leading Bariatric Surgical Centre successfully hosted this conference.
- Conquering Mount Obesity: GEM Hospital successfully hosts 7th edition of OBESICON
- GEM Hospital thrills to bring together experts from across the country to discuss the pressing issue of obesity and explore ways to successfully conquer this mountain of a problem: Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, GEM Hospital
- Over 200 delegates, including Surgeons, Physicians, Dietitians, Clinical Psychologists, General Practitioners and Endocrinologists from all over the country participated in the summit.
He said that, “We are thrilled to bring together experts from across the country to discuss the pressing issue of obesity and explore ways to successfully conquer this mountain of a problem. This conference will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and action towards improving the health and well-being of individuals affected by obesity”.
The conference featured keynote presentations and Interactive sessions from eminent personalities like Dr. Palaniappan Manickam alias Dr. Pals, Gastroenterologist – California, Dr. J.V. Balasubramaniyan, Cardiologist, Sri Ramachandra Hospital – Chennai, Ms. Devimeena Sundaram, Strength & Conditioning Specialist and International Kettlebell Athlete, and experts from GEM Hospital – Dr. Praveen Raj, Head of Dept. of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery, Dr. Saravana Kumar, Lead Consultant – Dept. of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery and Dr. Magnus Jayaraj, Surgeon Consultant – Dept. of HPB & Liver Transplant, covering a wide range of topics related to obesity, including the surgical and non-surgical approaches, gut metabolic diseases, the latest advancements in treatments, role of diet and exercise, and strategies for prevention at the individual and community levels.
The summit saw participation from more than 200 delegates consist of Surgeons, Physicians, Dietitians, Clinical Psychologists, General Practitioners and Endocrinologists from all over the country. The objective of this all important conference was to discuss and implement the multi modality management approach to obesity.
Dr. Praveen Raj, Director and Head of Dept. of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery, GEM Hospitals stated, “Obesity is a pressing public health concern that affects millions of individuals worldwide, leading to a range of serious health complications, including diabetes, heart disease, infertility, certain types of cancer, etc. With rates of obesity on the rise, it is more important than ever to come together to address this epidemic and find effective solutions.”
“Obesity as a disease is influenced by just not one but various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, physical activity and psychological factors. So, a comprehensive multi modality approach is needed to help in controlling the disease which can lead to more sustainable weight loss and long-term health benefits compared to single interventions. GEM Hospital has launched two important departments Obesity. Cure and Diabetes. Cure where the programs are intended at reversing obesity and diabetes using non-surgical methods like medical therapies, endoscopic therapies, diet, etc,” Dr. Praveen Raj further added.
