Country facing ‘full-blown obesity epidemic': experts
Speaking at an Obesity awareness seminar organized by Getz Pharma at the Lahore Press Club, leading clinicians warned that poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and screen addiction are driving a national health emergency, triggering a surge in diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and joint disorders.
Dr Ghias Un Nabi Tayyab, Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, said obesity remains dangerously misunderstood in Pakistan, where excess weight is still equated with health.
'Over 70% of our population is obese. Our waistlines are expanding due to sugar-laden and fatty diets, lack of exercise, and cultural ignorance,' he said, noting that a waistline above 35 inches for men and 31 inches for women signals overweight.
Dr Tayyab warned that diabetes is now common among people in their 20s and urged the public to adopt high-protein, high-fiber diets while avoiding sugar, fats, and refined carbohydrates.
Prof Dr M Imran Hassan Khan, a member of the CPSP Academic Board, explained that a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18 to 23 is considered normal in Pakistan, while 23.1 to 25 indicates overweight and 25 to 30 marks Class 1 obesity.
'Obesity is a disease. It's driven by genetics, bad diet, and inactivity. High insulin levels accelerate fat storage, leading to cardiac problems and hypertension,' he said.
Dr Khan stressed reducing daily carbohydrate intake below 100 grams and promoted fiber-rich, complex carbs. He urged the media to raise awareness and challenge the false notion that being fat equals being healthy.
Orthopaedic surgeon Prof Dr Tariq Sohail highlighted the musculoskeletal impact of obesity. 'Weight gain shifts the body's center of gravity, weakens muscles, strains the spine, and raises the risk of fractures,' he said, adding: 'Knees bear the brunt, and poor diet is making our bones and joints increasingly fragile.'
He criticized late-night food culture and urged people to adopt active lifestyles and balanced diets.
Experts emphasized early screening, healthy eating, daily physical activity, and regular check-ups as critical tools to fight obesity.
Speaking at the session, Kashif Amin said, 'Health promotion and community awareness can bring significant improvement, save resources and improve life expectancy in Pakistan. Our goal is to promote preventive healthcare directly to the communities, especially journalists who play a vital role in shaping public health opinion and behaviors. Non-communicable diseases like Obesity and Diabetes are not just a health issue- it has a social and economic perspective for a country like Pakistan. By hosting these events in partnerships with press clubs, we focus on promoting screening, health education through clinicians and early interventions, because a healthier society begins with informed individuals.'
A free screening camp for journalists and their families revealed widespread obesity, hypertension and diabetes among media professionals.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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Country facing ‘full-blown obesity epidemic': experts
LAHORE: Pakistan is facing a full-blown obesity epidemic, with 81% of women and 74% of men now classified as obese, health experts revealed at a seminar in Lahore. Speaking at an Obesity awareness seminar organized by Getz Pharma at the Lahore Press Club, leading clinicians warned that poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and screen addiction are driving a national health emergency, triggering a surge in diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and joint disorders. Dr Ghias Un Nabi Tayyab, Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, said obesity remains dangerously misunderstood in Pakistan, where excess weight is still equated with health. 'Over 70% of our population is obese. Our waistlines are expanding due to sugar-laden and fatty diets, lack of exercise, and cultural ignorance,' he said, noting that a waistline above 35 inches for men and 31 inches for women signals overweight. Dr Tayyab warned that diabetes is now common among people in their 20s and urged the public to adopt high-protein, high-fiber diets while avoiding sugar, fats, and refined carbohydrates. Prof Dr M Imran Hassan Khan, a member of the CPSP Academic Board, explained that a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18 to 23 is considered normal in Pakistan, while 23.1 to 25 indicates overweight and 25 to 30 marks Class 1 obesity. 'Obesity is a disease. It's driven by genetics, bad diet, and inactivity. High insulin levels accelerate fat storage, leading to cardiac problems and hypertension,' he said. Dr Khan stressed reducing daily carbohydrate intake below 100 grams and promoted fiber-rich, complex carbs. He urged the media to raise awareness and challenge the false notion that being fat equals being healthy. Orthopaedic surgeon Prof Dr Tariq Sohail highlighted the musculoskeletal impact of obesity. 'Weight gain shifts the body's center of gravity, weakens muscles, strains the spine, and raises the risk of fractures,' he said, adding: 'Knees bear the brunt, and poor diet is making our bones and joints increasingly fragile.' He criticized late-night food culture and urged people to adopt active lifestyles and balanced diets. Experts emphasized early screening, healthy eating, daily physical activity, and regular check-ups as critical tools to fight obesity. Speaking at the session, Kashif Amin said, 'Health promotion and community awareness can bring significant improvement, save resources and improve life expectancy in Pakistan. Our goal is to promote preventive healthcare directly to the communities, especially journalists who play a vital role in shaping public health opinion and behaviors. Non-communicable diseases like Obesity and Diabetes are not just a health issue- it has a social and economic perspective for a country like Pakistan. By hosting these events in partnerships with press clubs, we focus on promoting screening, health education through clinicians and early interventions, because a healthier society begins with informed individuals.' A free screening camp for journalists and their families revealed widespread obesity, hypertension and diabetes among media professionals. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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The research indicated that those who started their day with an early breakfast and had a longer overnight fast generally had lower BMIs. PHOTO: SCITECH DAILY Listen to article The timing of meals — not just their content — could play a significant role in maintaining a healthy body weight, according to a new five-year study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). Researchers found that middle-aged adults who ate breakfast early and extended their overnight fasting period tended to have lower Body Mass Indexes (BMIs). The findings, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, are part of a growing field known as chrononutrition, which explores how eating schedules align with the body's natural circadian rhythms. The study tracked over 7,000 adults aged 40 to 65, all part of the GCAT | Genomes for Life project in Spain. Participants first provided information on diet, lifestyle, and meal timing in 2018. After five years, more than 3,000 returned for a follow-up with updated health data. The results indicated that those who started their day with an early breakfast and had a longer overnight fast generally had lower BMIs. 'Extending the overnight fast could help maintain a healthy weight if accompanied by an early dinner and breakfast,' explained Luciana Pons-Muzzo, an ISGlobal researcher at the time of the study. 'This may align better with circadian rhythms and support appetite regulation and energy expenditure.' The study also found significant gender-based patterns. On average, women had lower BMIs, consumed healthier diets, and drank less alcohol, though they reported worse mental health. Women were also more likely to take on caregiving and domestic responsibilities. In contrast, a small subgroup of men who delayed their first meal until after 14:00 — effectively skipping breakfast and fasting for around 17 hours — exhibited less healthy behaviours. These included higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, lower physical activity, and poorer diet quality. This group also had lower educational levels and higher unemployment rates. 'These men practiced a form of intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast, but we found no association between that habit and improved weight outcomes,' said Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior co-author. 'Other studies in people with obesity have shown similar findings — skipping breakfast isn't necessarily an effective weight-loss tool.' The research adds to ISGlobal's growing body of work in chrononutrition. Previous studies have linked early dinner and breakfast habits with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. 'Chrononutrition looks at not just what we eat, but when and how often,' said Anna Palomar-Cros, who co-authored the study. 'Disrupting eating patterns can conflict with the circadian system — the body's internal clock — potentially affecting weight, metabolism, and overall health.' While the study suggests a potential link between meal timing and body weight, researchers caution that more evidence is needed before making broad dietary recommendations. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the importance of aligning eating habits with the body's natural rhythms to support long-term health.
