KARACHI: The number of obese adults in Pakistan has doubled since 1990. Currently, 50 per cent of Pakistani adults are obese that makes them very vulnerable to multiple diseases, said an expert at a talk held at Hamdard University (HU).

Expressing concern over fast growing cases of obesity in the country, Prof Karim Kammeruddin said that South Asians were particularly vulnerable to obesity, especially its urban population as they were getting addicted to fast foods that fuelled it.

He explained that fast foods such as pizzas, burgers, French fries and cold drinks are high in calories, fats, sugar and sodium. Regular intake of junk food leads to obesity that in turn increases the risk for multiple diseases such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

“Burgers and carbonated drinks were also available 20 years ago. But, they were used to be consumed in smaller portions back then,” he said.

Half of Pakistani population termed ‘obese’ and vulnerable to multiple diseases

Obesity is recognised as a complex chronic disease the world over that now affects 50pc of the Pakistani population, he added.

Dr Kammeruddin pointed out that eating to survive is fine, but hedonistic eating is problematic.

“Under this type of behaviour, which is getting common, food is consumed not just for gaining energy but for pleasure.”

He, however, suggested that obesity must not be a source of depression or sadness. “Obese persons can lessen the severity of some of their problems like blood sugar and hypertension simply by reducing their weight. They will start feeling better even if they reduce weight by only five to 10 per cent as their ailments will start getting better,” remarked Dr Kammeruddin.

Nutritionists and physicians, he said, often advised consumption of healthy and balanced diets. “But, they don’t realise that Pakistanis having an average income simply cannot afford to buy fruits and dairy products. Even vegetables are getting out of reach of most people. In such a situation, consuming a healthy and balanced diet becomes very challenging.”

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2024