Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 20: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Saturday stressed the need for careful and evidence-based use of weight-reducing and anti-obesity drugs in India, even as their popularity rises.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 2-day "Asia Oceania Conference on Obesity," Singh highlighted obesity as a complex, chronic, and relapsing condition—not merely a cosmetic or lifestyle issue. He warned against misleading commercial claims and quick-fix solutions, which often divert people from scientifically proven interventions.

Pointing to India’s rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and certain cancers, Singh noted that obesity—especially central or visceral obesity common among Indians—poses significant independent health risks.

“Obesity is too serious to be addressed by physicians or epidemiologists alone. Its roots run deep in social, cultural, and environmental factors,” he said, urging a whole-of-society approach.

Singh also highlighted government initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including FIT India and Khelo India, which promote small, sustainable changes in diet and lifestyle as part of preventive healthcare.

Stressing the importance of youth engagement, he said awareness campaigns must reach beyond experts to educate those unaware of the risks, linking the health of India’s young population to the nation’s development goals for 2047.