Latest news with #DeepakChopra
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
The weight of the mind: how psychophysiology holds the key to tackling India's obesity epidemic
More than once, I've found myself half-joking that simply glancing at food seems sufficient to tip the scales. For the longest time, I dismissed this as idle hyperbole—a light-hearted lament echoed by many. Yet emerging scientific insights suggest this might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. According to leading experts in metabolic health and behavioural science, there's growing evidence that supports a physiological basis for this phenomenon—ushering in the field of psychophysiopathology of obesity. Fast forward to 2050, a mere quarter-century away, and India is projected to bear the weight—literally—of an obesity epidemic affecting nearly 450 million citizens. That's a staggering increase of 180 million individuals from 2021, a rise that underscores the gravity of the crisis. Obesity, along with its metabolic cohorts such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, represents a burgeoning public health emergency that could deeply undermine the nation's socioeconomic fabric. Historically, our communal focus has been narrowly riveted on caloric arithmetic and physical exertion—mantras of 'eat less, move more.' However, despite widespread adoption, these interventions in isolation have proved insufficient. Could it be that the elusive missing link lies not in the external—but within the intimate, dynamic interplay between how we think, how we feel, and how we physiologically respond to our environments? It is in the mind-body nexus that the science of psychophysiology offers a paradigm-shifting perspective—one that reframes obesity not merely as a failure of willpower, but as a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon demanding deeper, multidimensional inquiry. The mind-body link The mind-body connection has long fascinated me, and one I avidly follow the work of Deepak Chopra. In his seminal book, Creating Health, he elucidates on the intricate relationship between the mind and body, positing that this synergy plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including obesity. Notably, Dr. Chopra references groundbreaking experiments that demonstrate the phenomenon of cephalic phase responses, wherein certain individuals exhibit a pronounced metabolic reaction to mere sensory cues associated with food, such as the sight, aroma, and sounds of culinary preparation. This anticipatory response eerily mirrors the physiological changes that occur upon actual food consumption. Furthermore, Dr. Chopra's work reveals that, beyond sensory inputs, even the mere thought of food can trigger a cascade of neuroendocrine events. This cognitive-emotional stimulus activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, culminating in the release of insulin from the pancreas. The resultant surge in insulin levels triggers a profound sensation of hunger, accelerating metabolic processes and facilitating the rapid conversion of nutrients into fat. This complex interplay between cognitive, emotional, and physiological factors underscores the notion that the mind-body connection plays a critical role in modulating metabolic function and, by extension, obesity. Chronic stress could result in emotional or comfort eating at times. In other times, people could be replacing excessive eating or drinking of fizzy drinks to use as a placebo or as a way of managing cravings. For example, I do extensive work with people in addiction recovery. People, especially ones recovering from cocaine or alcohol, always speak about how foods high in cheese/ fat/ sugars or carbohydrates help them manage their cravings for their substance of choice. This results in overeating and obesity, although the management of recovery is on the right track. All these in tandem with recent studies indicate that chronic stress, emotional dysregulation and cognitive patterns disrupt the autonomic nervous system function, through hormonal signalling such as production of insulin or cortisol, often resulting in maladaptive eating behaviours. Obesity as an interplay of multiple factors Psychophysiology is rapidly emerging as a transformative lens through which to understand obesity—not merely as a metabolic imbalance, but as a dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, and social forces. This biopsychosocial model, when integrated with psychophysiological metrics like heart rate variability and neuroendocrine markers, enables researchers to identify nuanced pathways linking mental states to metabolic outcomes. This convergence is not only reshaping obesity science but also paving the way for precision interventions—ranging from cognitive-behavioral therapy to neurofeedback—that target the root causes of weight dysregulation beyond diet and exercise alone. The pernicious consequences of obesity extend far beyond the realm of individual health, precipitating a profound impact on the economic and social fabric of societies. In India alone, the annual healthcare expenditure and productivity losses attributable to obesity are projected to surpass a staggering USD 35 billion, thereby imposing an immense economic burden on the nation. Globally, obesity is estimated to contribute to a colossal 65% of the total economic burden through indirect cost implications, including diminished workforce participation, disability, and premature mortality. This insidious phenomenon perpetuates a vicious cycle of economic stagnation and human suffering. Moreover, the social implications of obesity are equally egregious, exacerbating existing health inequities and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly those in the lower-income strata. The paucity of access to wholesome nutrition, safe physical activity spaces, and preventive healthcare in these communities perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, further entrenching unhealthy behaviors. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding obesity precipitates a profound psychological toll, fueling distress, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem, which in turn exacerbates the condition, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of morbidity. The role of identity When tackling obesity through the lens of psychophysiology, a crucial aspect to understand is the role of identity. Similar to the paradigm of addiction recovery, individuals struggling with obesity often encapsulate their self-concept around a fixed identity, such as 'a fat person.' This cognitive schema can perpetuate a self-fulfilling prophecy, where their experiences and behaviours align with their deeply-ingrained beliefs, both consciously and subconsciously. From an evolutionary perspective, the brain strives to maintain cognitive consistency, reinforcing patterns that validate one's self-image. In the context of obesity, individuals often grapple with body image concerns or body dysphoria, which can limit their ability to adopt healthier lifestyles. Research suggests that individuals who perceive themselves as healthy and happy are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Conversely, those who identify as 'fat' or 'unhealthy' may experience social consequences, such as bullying or social isolation, leading to decreased happiness and further exacerbating their health issues. Emerging research in neurophysiology is exploring the intricate relationship between self-image and metabolic function, seeking to elucidate the correlational dynamics between these complex variables. By understanding the interplay between identity, happiness, and physiological responses, scientists may uncover novel targets for intervention, enabling more effective and sustainable. The need for a paradigm shift in approaching obesity To mitigate the burgeoning obesity epidemic in India, a paradigmatic shift in our approach is warranted, necessitating a synergistic, cross-sectoral response that integrates the trifecta of biological, psychological, and environmental determinants. Policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public must converge to adopt a psychophysiopathological framework that acknowledges obesity as a complex, multifactorial disorder precipitated by the intricate interplay of genetic, neuroendocrine, and environmental factors. Policymakers must transcend the erstwhile piecemeal approach to nutrition and fitness, instead prioritising the development and implementation of comprehensive programmes that seamlessly integrate mental health, stress management, and behavioral science into national health strategies. Flagship initiatives such as the Fit India Movement and POSHAN Abhiyaan should be augmented to incorporate psychophysiological screening tools, emotional wellness education, and community-based interventions that target the underlying etiological factors contributing to maladaptive eating behaviors. Healthcare professionals require rigorous training in psychobehavioral diagnostics and interventions, encompassing tools such as heart rate variability monitoring, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Multidisciplinary teams comprising endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and public health experts should collaborate to deliver personalised, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to individual needs, predicated on a nuanced understanding of the biopsychosocial determinants of obesity. The public also has a vital role to play in this endeavor, necessitating empowerment through knowledge about the intricate relationships between stress, emotions, thought patterns, and eating habits, as well as their impact on metabolic health. Schools, workplaces, and digital platforms should promote emotional literacy, mindful eating, and resilience-building practices as integral components of everyday life, thereby fostering a culture of wellness and salutogenesis. India stands at a critical juncture, poised to either succumb to the weight of the obesity epidemic or rise to the challenge by adopting a holistic, psychophysiology-informed approach that acknowledges the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and environmental factors. By doing so, we can pivot from a paradigm of blame and symptom management to one of understanding and root-cause resolution, thereby mitigating the burgeoning health crisis and promoting a culture of wellness and optimal health. (Rashikkha is a multidisciplinary clinician working in the U.K., specialising in the delivery of clinical interventions in forensic settings.
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Yoga Day observed at United Nations and Times Square with mass participation
Eminent physician and wellness author Deepak Chopra led a guided meditation session at the United Nations headquarters on Friday evening as part of the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations. Colourful yoga mats lined the North Lawns of the UN headquarters, where over 1,200 participants—including diplomats, UN officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Indian diaspora—gathered to take part in the event. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, in his welcome address, said this year's theme—'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'—draws from the approach introduced during India's G20 presidency in 2023. 'The theme underscores the vital truth that our personal wellness and planetary wellness are inseparably linked. In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', or the whole world is one family,' Mr. Harish said. Highlighting the relevance of yoga amidst rising stress, lifestyle disorders, and mental health challenges, he added that the practice 'offers a steady, time-tested path that helps one find calm within ourselves and live more peacefully within ourselves and with those around us.' Mr. Chopra, who led a special meditation session during the event, concluded by observing, 'As has been said many times before, God's language is silence. Everything else is poor translation. Even the guided meditation, poor translation,' drawing applause from the audience. The event also featured a Common Yoga Protocol session and an advanced demonstration of yoga, accompanied by music, conducted by the Art of Living Foundation. Earlier in the day, the Consulate General of India in New York, in partnership with the Times Square Alliance, organised a separate celebration at Times Square. Actor Anupam Kher attended the day-long celebration, known as 'Solstice at Times Square,' which featured seven yoga sessions and attracted around 10,000 participants from various nationalities. Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan, highlighted the multifaceted benefits of yoga, calling it a powerful tool for physical health, spiritual well-being, and harmony with nature. Mr. Kher, speaking at the event, said, 'From the stillness of a single breath rises the strength to heal the whole world.' The Consulate is also holding a month-long celebration of Yoga Day across the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut, witnessing widespread participation. In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The resolution was proposed by India and supported by a record 175 member states, recognising the universal appeal of the practice.
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Business Standard
21-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
International Yoga Day celebrated at UN with special meditation session
Yoga offers a time-tested path to live more peacefully at a time when stress and mental health challenges are on the rise, India's envoy to the UN has said at a special guided meditation session here to mark International Yoga Day. Eminent physician, author and wellness guru Deepak Chopra led the session at the UN headquarters hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations to mark the day on Friday evening. Colourful yoga mats were neatly arranged at the North Lawns of the UN headquarters as over 1,200 yoga practitioners, diplomats, UN officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the diaspora community participated in the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador P Harish, in his welcome address, said that this year's theme for the day - Yoga for One Earth, One Health' is rooted in the One Earth, One Health' approach introduced during India's G20 presidency in 2023. The theme underscores the vital truth that our personal wellness and planetary wellness are inseparably linked. In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', or the whole world is one family, he said. Harish said that at a time when stress, lifestyle diseases and mental health challenges are on the rise, yoga offers a steady, time-tested path that helps one find "calm within ourselves and live more peacefully within ourselves and with those around us. Chopra led a special guided meditation session on the occasion. As has been said many times before, God's language is silence. Everything else is poor translation. Even the guided mediation, poor translation, Chopra said as he concluded the session amid applause from the participants. The event also featured Common Yoga Protocol sessions and an advanced Yoga demonstration with music, conducted by the Art of Living. Earlier in the day, the Consulate General of India in New York, in partnership with Times Square Alliance, celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga at the iconic Times Square. Acclaimed actor Anupam Kher attended the Yoga day at Times Square, described as the crossroads of the world. The day-long celebration of Yoga, also known as Solstice at Times Square', featured seven yoga sessions, in which about 10,000 people from across nationalities participated, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for yoga in New York City and the US. Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan highlighted the benefits of Yoga for both physical health and spiritual well-being, as well as its role in promoting harmony with nature. Kher spoke about the importance of yoga, which from the stillness of a single breath rises the strength to heal the whole world. The Consulate is organising a month-long celebration of International Day of Yoga in States under its jurisdiction such as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Connecticut which saw active participation from yoga enthusiasts. Recognising its universal appeal, in December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The draft UNGA resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Descartes Announces Results of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
WATERLOO, Ontario, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), announced the voting results from its annual meeting of shareholders held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 (the 'Meeting'). Meeting Results The following matters, as set out in more detail in its Management Information Circular dated April 30, 2025, were considered and voted on by shareholders at the Meeting: GeneralThe total number of common shares of the Corporation represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting was 77,507,142 which represented 90.35% of the 85,782,830 common shares of the Corporation that were outstanding as of the record date for the Meeting, being April 25, 2025. Election of DirectorsOn a vote by ballot, each of the following 10 nominees proposed by management of the Corporation was elected as a director of the Corporation: Director Nominee Number of Votes FOR Percentage of Votes FOR Number of Votes AGAINST Percentage of Votes AGAINST Deepak Chopra 75,876,565 98.81% 912,202 1.19% Eric Demirian 72,960,218 95.01% 3,828,551 4.99% Dennis Maple 73,891,505 96.23% 2,897,262 3.77% Jane Mowat 76,767,145 99.97% 21,625 0.03% Chris Muntwyler 75,883,997 98.82% 904,773 1.18% Jane O'Hagan 75,033,103 97.71% 1,755,666 2.29% Edward Ryan 76,223,399 99.26% 565,370 0.74% John Walker 73,935,135 96.28% 2,853,635 3.72% Laura Wilkin 76,767,158 96.28% 21,612 0.03% Appointment of Auditors On a vote by ballot, KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants and Licensed Public Accountants, were appointed as the auditors of the Corporation until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are appointed. Number of Votes FOR Percentage of Votes FOR Number of Votes WITHHELD Percentage of Votes WITHHELD 77,241,699 99.66% 265,443 0.34% Say-On-Pay On a vote by ballot, the 'Say-On-Pay' resolution proposed by management of the Corporation was approved. Number of Votes FOR Percentage of Votes FOR Number of Votes AGAINST Percentage of Total Votes AGAINST 74,071,830 96.46% 2,716,938 3.54% About DescartesDescartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Descartes Investor Contact Laurie McCauley (519) 746-6114 x202358investor@ in to access your portfolio
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
SXSW London 2025 And The New Leadership Code: Feel More, Lead Better
What do guest speakers Deepak Chopra, Demis Hassabis, Wyclef Jean, and the CEO of OnlyFans have in common? At first glance, not much. But according to SXSW London, they're all part of the same evolving narrative. From June 2-7, 2025 the newest global event in the SXSW constellation, after SXSW Sydney; lands in East London, transforming Truman Brewery, Rich Mix and over 32 other venues in Shoreditch and Tech City, (East London's Silicon Roundabout) into a cultural epicenter. Yes, SXSW London will deliver over 800 conference speakers, 600 live music performances, 110 film & TV screenings, a high-profile arts programme with UK debuts, alongside networking invitations and immersive events — but I'd say it signals to something more—a new leadership blueprint for a post-logic, post-performance age. What makes me say that? Having delivered keynotes at numerous leading conferences around the world, I can say with some perspective that the programming here demands attention. First, the most urgent conversations on AI, media, mobility, spirituality, and the creator economy are no longer happening solely in Silicon Valley — they're unfolding in East London and Europe. And second, in 2025, the most valuable leadership skill won't be technological fluency. It will be emotional and spiritual fluency. In other words, threaded throughout the SXSW London schedule is a clear cultural message: Welcome to the age of the Spiritual Technologist. Spiritual guru turned wellness empire architect, Deepak Chopra may not seem like a first thought for a tech conference amongst a slew of AI engineers, quantum physicists and innovators in tech—but that's exactly what I think makes his presence at SXSW London so revealing. Because in a world increasingly flooded by machine learning, generative AI, and predictive everything, the one thing we can't code is the one thing that audiences remain starved for— human connection. And brand trust today isn't just built through logic, utility, or even performance; it's built through emotional clarity, intention, and the ability to create meaningful connections. I've spoken before about the need for brands to be brave enough to release societal tensions and to provide permission. I have no doubt Deepak Chopra will be confronting what it means to build human-first tech, technology that listens, products that understand. Brands that don't just function, but feel. Audiences still care how powerful your algorithm is but they also care just as much, if not more so, about whether your brand makes them feel seen and understood in a world that increasingly doesn't. And that in my mind is not sentimentality—it's strategy. Deloitte would agree. According to a study by the organization, brands that lead in human-centered connection consistently outperform those focused solely on scale or efficiency. Turns out, in a tech-saturated economy, it is indeed emotional infrastructure, not digital infrastructure, that's becomes the defining differentiator. Demis Hassabis — cofounder and CEO of Google DeepMind — isn't a personal brand in the conventional sense. He's not posting daily insights on social media or staging podcast appearances etc. Many outside his immediate AI circle might not have even heard of him. And yet, his presence at SXSW London matters more than you might think. Why? Because I believe it signals a shift—or expansion—in what we'll start expecting from the personal brands of leaders — not more noise, but more necessity. When Hassabis steps onto the SXSW London stage as part of the keynote speakers lineup, he won't just be representing models and datasets, he'll be embodying a new kind of leadership identity: one rooted in originality, and real authority. So while showmanship certainly still has its place in personal branding, I believe we will start to see more leaders start to emerge with an integration — of intellect, values, and cultural relevance that might not so easily be replicated — not on social media, not as a sound bite, not in marketing decks, and not by AI. Hassabis will most likely demonstrate a leadership that doesn't trade in optics, but trades in substance. Regardless of your leadership proposition, the full slate of SXSW London keynote speakers — including Wyclef Jean, Alex Kendall etc. — proves something we don't hear enough: the future of influence no longer belongs to companies, it belongs to individuals. And not just any individuals — but those who've turned personal philosophy into professional momentum. I have no doubt the winners of the SXSW pitch won't just be pitching products, they'll be pitching belief systems. Translating who they are into what they build. And I bet this dynamic will play out across every part of SXSW London's regional events. Interestingly, Harvard Business Review also states that leaders who actively shape their personal brands — grounded in values, not just image — are far better positioned to drive influence and trust across teams, industries, and audiences. And personal branding will continue to evolve from a side project to a strategic driver of professional authority. Bottom line? What matters today isn't just scale, it's specificity. Audiences are done following logos. They want to follow people. I've long believed that convergence is the future—in every sense. And convergence is the exact theme of the SXSW London festival. From film screenings of movie titles like Deep Cover, to artistic experiences and showcases by new talent from American record label scenes — and all of it powered by the energy of Tech City — SXSW London isn't a conference. It's a remix. The special events at SXSW London aren't organized by verticals but a full-blown multimedia activation experience that fuses fashion, finance, faith, and futurism into something messy, alive, and urgent. Similarly, leaders must also resist the temptation to be boxed in by industry labels or parameters that give them a false sense of security. According to Deloitte, the most fertile ground for breakthrough innovation lies at the intersection of disciplines — not within them. What does this mean? The more companies embrace convergence across technology, design, and culture, the more likely they are to lead. Because tomorrow's brands don't just need to coexist, they need to collide, cross-pollinate, and mutate into something entirely new. As I've said before, an influential brand isn't just seen it's felt. Take OnlyFans— a subscription-based content platform known for empowering creators to monetize exclusive content, from adult entertainment to fitness and music. The platform has a super engaged audience involvement — with numbers any brand would envy. But the numbers only tell half the story. From my perspective, OnlyFans true power also lies in the permission it provides its audience, in the intimacy it creates with its viewers — intangible qualities no spreadsheet or metric will ever be able to fully capture. That's what Keily Blair, the platform's CEO, I hope will further highlight at SXSW London: a conversation not just about growth, but about gravity. Indeed, academic research in Sustainability confirms that empathy and emotional engagement are key to sustainable brand relationships. Brands that resonate on a human level don't just get attention — they earn enduring loyalty. Then there's Topjaw, the creator duo behind travel content that's as precise as it is personal. Their SXSW session, 'A 10-Year Overnight Success,' challenges the myth of virality. This brand didn't explode overnight but built, refined, listened, and stayed consistent until they broke through. SXSW London's line up doesn't seem to be just another annual event or showcase for angel investors. It's more of a cultural barometer. A litmus test. A new kind of leadership training ground. It's showing us what will matter next. Not just your product but your presence. Not just your metrics but your meaning. Because in the age of the Spiritual Technologist, your value won't just be measured by followers, funnels, or even performance. It will also be measured by how deeply your brand moves people. By how clearly you stand for something no one else can replicate. So chase your KPIs. Fine-tune your media plan. Launch your next campaign. But if your brand can't stir something deeply human and if it can't make me feel, think, or believe — then you're just another activation lost in the scroll. And that's one data point your dashboard will never tell you. But then again, that's what I'm here for. Named Esquire's Influencer of the Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality and leading voice in fashion, entertainment, and influence, and author of the New York Times bestselling phenomenon The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right).
