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Rising Threat Among Youth: Central Obesity Driving Diabetes and Heart Disease
Anytime News Network (Pooja Srivastava)
:
India is facing a growing yet often overlooked health crisis—central obesity. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has warned that abdominal fat, even in individuals who appear lean, poses a far greater risk than overall obesity.
Speaking at the launch of a major cardiology textbook, he highlighted that many Indians carry significant internal fat despite having a normal body weight. This “hidden obesity” is increasingly linked to serious conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, and lipid disorders.
Experts point out that central obesity is not just a cosmetic concern but a metabolic threat. Fat accumulation around vital organs can trigger insulin resistance and significantly increase the risk of early heart attacks, even among younger populations.
The rise in such conditions is closely tied to lifestyle changes—sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, poor sleep patterns, and increasing stress levels. Alarmingly, younger individuals are now being diagnosed with metabolic disorders that were once associated with older age groups.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a “Fit India” and “Obesity-Free India,” emphasizing awareness, preventive care, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Health experts stress that extreme or unscientific fitness practices can also backfire. Instead, consistent discipline, balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and evidence-based medical guidance are key to tackling this silent epidemic.
If left unaddressed, projections suggest a sharp rise in obesity-related diseases in India by 2050, posing not just a public health challenge but also a significant economic burden. The warning is clear: what looks normal on the outside may conceal a dangerous health risk within.
