Latest news with #Sahu
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Orthopedic surgeons explain how obesity is actually linked to increased risk of fractures
Does obesity influence fracture risk? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rajesh Srinivas, consultant, orthopedic surgeon, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road and Dr Harekrushna Sahu, consultant, orthopedics and spine surgery, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, spoke about the unexpected obesity and fracture link you might not have considered. Also read | Spine surgeon warns Indians not to ignore back pain until it's too late, reveals who all 'should be extra careful' Does being overweight make you more prone to some kinds of fractures? Here's what you need to know. (Freepik) According to them, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and exercising regularly are essential for good bone health and effective weight management, and thereby reducing fracture risk and complications. Dr Srinivas said, 'Obesity and fracture risk have a complicated relationship. It was long believed that a person's bones would be stronger based on their body fat percentage. However, newer research shows that central obesity and abdominal obesity are linked to a higher risk of fractures. Other spinal disorders, like degenerative diseases of the spine and osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles, can worsen in obese individuals.' Dr Sahu added, 'Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2, has become more and more prevalent in the last few decades. Obese individuals usually have more fat distribution in the abdomen or waist area. Earlier it was thought that obese individuals have stronger bones due to more body weight and it is protective for some fractures like hip fracture due to cushioning effect of waist fat but recent research suggests that the relationship between obesity and fracture is not that much straight forward and may vary with regards to age, sex, ethnicity and for different fracture types.' Dr Srinivas further shared that 'more than 40 percent of adults worldwide are overweight or obese'. 'Unfortunately, obesity among children and middle-aged people is rising due to several problems, including metabolic disorders, mainly thyroid issues, growth hormone issues, etc.,' he said. Many obese individuals have body posturing and balancing issues, leading to a higher incidence of falls, which can cause fractures. (Freepik) Factors influencing fracture risk According to Dr Sahu, many studies have found that obese individuals are more prone to ankle and shoulder fractures as these areas lack the cushioning effect of body fat, and the higher body weight of obese individuals leads to higher impact on these areas during a fall. 'Many obese individuals have body posturing and balancing issues, leading to a higher incidence of falls, which can cause fractures,' he said. Dr Sahu shared that 'obese individuals usually have lower vitamin D levels in their bodies', which also impacts bone health and increases fracture risk. 'Spine fractures are also very common in many obese individuals, although some studies have contradictory results on this aspect. Many obese individuals have associated metabolic syndrome (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia), causing difficulty in the management and treatment of their fractures,' he said. Dr Sahu added, 'Recently, due to the increased prevalence of childhood obesity, there has also been an increased risk of some fractures in children. Obese adolescents are also at high risk of developing slipped capital femoral epiphysis, a condition causing the spontaneous slippage of the femoral head of the thigh bone.' The bones weaken rapidly after menopause, and obesity increases stress on them, leading to a higher risk of hip, spinal, and wrist fractures. (Freepik) Obesity and bone health in women Women, who face obesity after menopause, encounter significant challenges due to osteoporosis, according to Dr Srinivas. He said, 'The bones weaken rapidly after menopause, and obesity increases stress on them, leading to a higher risk of hip, spinal, and wrist fractures. Obesity not only raises the chances of fractures but also slows down recovery.' Dr Sahu said that obese post-menopausal women have also been associated with osteoporosis, defined as decreased bone mineral density, causing weak bones that easily fracture during a fall. Importance of lifestyle modifications Dr Srinivas said that efforts to combat obesity primarily focus on figuring out its causes, whether they are metabolic, genetic, or related to diet: 'We need to find the root cause and address it directly. Managing obesity requires teamwork. We also involve an endocrinologist to assess and address the issue. Our main goal is to prevent obesity, with lifestyle being the key factor.' According to the WHO, a person needs to walk briskly for 40 to 45 minutes to stay healthy. Dr Srinivas said, 'This is in addition to doing exercises or workouts like strength training. It's important to track calorie intake and calorie loss, as this provides a clear way to manage one's lifestyle. We should also understand lifestyle changes well. These changes mainly focus on keeping a daily exercise routine and eating a healthy diet.' Dr Sahu said fractures in obese individuals are challenging to treat surgically because of weak bones, more fat, and possible postoperative wound complications. 'Rehabilitation after surgically or conservatively treated fractures in obese individuals can also be problematic due to high body weight and balancing issues, sometimes leading to prolonged non-weight-bearing status and making them bedridden,' he said. 'There is always a high risk of fracture incidence in obese individuals, which is difficult to manage and rehabilitate, leading to poorer outcomes for many. So it's always better to prevent getting overweight or obese by regulating our food habits and doing regular exercise. Obese individuals should take adequate vitamin D supplements if they have lower levels and do regular exercise, and should be aware of fall prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of fractures in them,' he added. Obese individuals should take adequate vitamin D supplements if they have lower levels. (Freepik) Exercise recommendations for obese individuals Dr Srinivas said, 'If the patient is obese, we recommend avoiding activities that put a lot of stress on the body. For example, running or jumping adds significant pressure on the legs and spine. Until they lose weight, we suggest they avoid these activities and switch to low-impact options like cycling, swimming, and walking, which can be increased gradually.' For elderly patients who are somewhat obese, Dr Srinivas recommended using assistance when walking, such as a stick or a walker, to help prevent falls: 'At home, we suggest adding supports in necessary areas and using non-slip clothing, especially in the bathroom, to reduce the risk of falls.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
NDTV
a day ago
- General
- NDTV
Man Injured As Elephant Runs Wildly At Ahmedabad's Rath Yatra
Ahmedabad: One person was injured on Friday during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad, when a male elephant, agitated by excessive noise, broke a barricade and rushed into a narrow lane, officials said. The mahouts on two other elephants followed the jumbo and controlled it, ensuring that the procession proceeded smoothly on its designated route, said RK Sahu, superintendent of Kankaria Zoo in the city. "One bystander was injured after an elephant got disturbed and entered a narrow lane in the Khadia area. The injured person has been shifted to a nearby hospital. The procession is going ahead as scheduled," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Control Room) Komal Vyas. The 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Ahmedabad on Friday morning, with thousands of devotees joining the annual event. The grand procession, which rolled on from the 400-year-old Jagannath temple, is expected to return by 8 pm after making its way through the old city. The procession usually has 17 elephants, 100 trucks, and 30 akhadas (local gymnasiums). It covers 16 km during the day. Only one among these elephants is male, said Sahu, who is responsible for checking the health of these elephants and issuing fitness certificates ahead of the event. "When the procession reached Khadia Gate, the male elephant suddenly got agitated due to loud music and whistle sounds. It started running and veered off the designated path," said Sahu. The mahouts on two female elephants followed the male elephant and controlled it, he said. In a viral video, the elephant can be seen breaking a barricade and running into a crowd before entering a narrow lane. "The elephant was quickly brought under control without the help of a tranquiliser. The male and the two female elephants were then tied at that same place. They will no longer take part in the procession, which went ahead after this brief disruption," said Sahu. He added that personnel from Kankaria Zoo, the forest department and veterinary doctors are keeping a close watch on the elephants. "Three teams have been deployed on the route with tranquilising guns," he added.
The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
Ahmedabad Rath Yatra: Man injured as elephant runs amok
One person was injured on Friday during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad, when a male elephant, agitated by excessive noise, broke a barricade and rushed into a narrow lane, officials said. The mahouts on two other elephants followed the jumbo and controlled it, ensuring that the procession proceeded smoothly on its designated route, said RK Sahu, superintendent of Kankaria Zoo in the city. 'One bystander was injured after an elephant got disturbed and entered a narrow lane in the Khadia area. The injured person has been shifted to a nearby hospital. The procession is going ahead as scheduled,' said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Control Room) Komal Vyas. The 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Ahmedabad on Friday (June 27, 2025) morning, with thousands of devotees joining the annual event. The grand procession, which rolled on from the 400-year-old Jagannath temple, is expected to return by 8 p.m. after making its way through the old city. The procession usually has 17 elephants, 100 trucks, and 30 akhadas (local gymnasiums). It covers 16 km during the day. Only one among these elephants is male, said Sahu, who is responsible for checking the health of these elephants and issuing fitness certificates ahead of the event. 'When the procession reached Khadia Gate, the male elephant suddenly got agitated due to loud music and whistle sounds. It started running and veered off the designated path,' said Sahu. The mahouts on two female elephants followed the male elephant and controlled it, he said. In a viral video, the elephant can be seen breaking a barricade and running into a crowd before entering a narrow lane. 'The elephant was quickly brought under control without the help of a tranquiliser. The male and the two female elephants were then tied at that same place. They will no longer take part in the procession, which went ahead after this brief disruption,' said Sahu. He added that personnel from Kankaria Zoo, the forest department and veterinary doctors are keeping a close watch on the elephants. 'Three teams have been deployed on the route with tranquilising guns,' he added.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Watch: Viral video shows an elephant going rogue during the Jagannath yatra in Ahmedabad
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most revered Hindu festivals in India that has its origins tracing back to Puri, Odisha, and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated by the grand annual journey of the three deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, from their temple to the Gundicha Temple in majestic chariots. Every year, millions of devotees gather in Puri to pull the massive wooden chariots using ropes, which is based on a centuries-old tradition. Over the years, this sacred event has found its way to other cities across India, where it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath. In cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and New Delhi, grand processions with decorated chariots, elephants, bands, and cultural performances bring in large crowds to their respective places. The elephant goes out of control during the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad A moment of panic happened during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad on Friday morning when a male elephant from the 18-elephant group suddenly went out of control near Desai Ni Pol in Khadia. The incident occurred as the massive religious procession was moving along its usual route. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like India's first integrated Power Backup Solution - Livguard Lithium-X Livguard Learn More Undo According to a TOI report, RK Sahu, Superintendent of the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, said, the elephant, the only male among the group, 'suddenly became agitated and began running, veering away from the designated path of the procession.' The zoo and procession management teams quickly tried to bring this situation under control. 'Following protocol, the elephant was immediately given a tranquiliser injection. Two female elephants were used to gently herd him away from the crowd, in line with our standard safety strategy,' said Sahu. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the startled crowd soon calmed down as the situation stabilised. The other people who were eager to join the crowd and crossed nearby were momentarily alarmed, but later praised the quick response from officials and handlers. Officials later confirmed that the male elephant has now been isolated and will not rejoin the ongoing Rath Yatra procession. The other 17 elephants, all female, continued the journey peacefully without further disruption. The Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, known as one of the largest in the country after Puri, is an important cultural and spiritual event. With heavy footfall and elaborate arrangements including elephants, chariots, and multiple layers of crowd control, safety remains a top priority.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Chaos averted at Ahmedabad Rath Yatra after elephant runs amok
AHMEDABAD: Panic briefly erupted during the peaceful Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad near Khadia crossroads around 10:00 am on June 27 after a male elephant in the front of the procession ran amok. The elephant, part of the ceremonial march, was reportedly startled by loud DJ music and excessive whistling, according to R.K. Sahu, officer of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's Zoo Department. As the agitated elephant charged towards the crowd, two to three other elephants behind it started running, disrupting the disciplined formation. The situation escalated as the male elephant sprinted towards a barricaded road leading to the Pol area. Despite warnings from four to five policemen, the elephant rammed through the barricades. Two to three people in the crowd were mildly injured. Acting swiftly, the zoo team deployed two female elephants to calm the agitated male elephant. The male elephant was brought under control and was tied safely near the Khadia junction, where zoo staff continue to monitor him. "Only another elephant can control an elephant,' Sahu explained. Following the incident, authorities have withdrawn all three elephants involved -- the agitated male and the two females -- from the Yatra. With their removal, 14 out of the 17 elephants will now continue in the Rath Yatra.
