Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Sep 24: Obesity is no longer confined to urban elites or sedentary office-goers - it has quietly emerged as one of India’s most pressing health challenges. Rising obesity levels, experts warn, are fuelling an explosion of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease cases across the nation.

Amid this growing concern, a powerful movement has been launched to combat the crisis — one that seeks to free India from the burden of obesity through science-backed, sustainable solutions.

A movement born on a Symbolic Day:

On September 17, coinciding with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Madhavbaug - a leading name in Ayurveda-based lifestyle disease management - unveiled the Motapa Mukta Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide digital initiative designed to reverse obesity at scale.

“From the Red Fort this Independence Day, our Prime Minister called attention to obesity as a growing national threat. Motapa Mukta Bharat is our answer to that call,” said Dr Rohit Sane, founder & CEO of Madhavbaug.

A blend of tradition and technology

The campaign’s foundation rests on a simple but ambitious promise: to make scientific obesity reversal accessible to every Indian, right from their homes. Participants begin with a digital obesity risk score, a quick health assessment. Based on their results, they receive:

Ayurveda-based diet plans - practical, sustainable, and designed for everyday Indian kitchens. Daily home-based exercise modules - no expensive equipment or gym memberships needed. “This is not about crash diets or shortcuts. Our goal is to empower people to adopt habits that last a lifetime,” emphasized Dr Sane.

Why this matters now

Public health specialists warn that India is nearing a tipping point. A recent study revealed that urban obesity has nearly doubled in the last 15 years, with rural India rapidly catching up.

“If we don’t act now, we will see a generation burdened with lifestyle diseases at a very young age,” cautioned Dr Sane. “Motapa Mukta Bharat is about early intervention - identifying risk before it turns into irreversible damage.”

From families to the nation

The Motapa Mukta Bharat Abhiyan is not just a health campaign - it is being positioned as a people’s movement. It aims to transform households into hubs of health and positivity, cultivating a culture where fitness and wellness become an everyday practice.

Participants are also being educated about the direct link between obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension - empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Stories of change

Early feedback from participants has been encouraging. “I was skeptical at first,” admits Meera Joshi, a 42-year-old homemaker from Pune. “But when I saw my risk score and followed the plan for two weeks, I felt lighter, more energetic, and my sugar readings improved. The best part - I didn’t have to leave my home for consultations.”

Join the mission

Becoming part of the initiative is simple: individuals can take the free obesity risk score test online and receive a personalized plan to start their health journey.

Madhavbaug’s message is clear: when one person becomes healthier, an entire family benefits - and when families become healthier, India becomes stronger.

Ultimately, Motapa Mukta Bharat is not just about losing weight - it is about regaining health, happiness, and the confidence to live life to the fullest.