Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults and children, and health organizations view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Obesity is stigmatized in much of the modern world (particularly in the Western world), though it was widely perceived as a symbol of wealth and fertility at other times in history, and still is in our part of the world.

Obesity dramatically increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, Heart disease, Stroke, Arthritis, Obstructive sleep apnea, and Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Higher body weight is also associated with cancer, infertility, depression, asthma and early death. India has the second largest diabetic population in the world. We have 7 Crore diabetics at present with a prediction that it would cross 11 crore in 2030. 25.4% urban & 25.2% rural obese populations are diabetic.

We are also the second largest hypertensive population in the world with 11 Crore hypertensive and a prediction of 21 crore hypertensive in 2025. This will make us the hypertension capital of the world by 2025. 20 % of all present deaths are either obesity or metabolic related.

Most weight loss programs are based on a combination of diet, behavior modification, and regular exercise. However, published scientific papers report that these methods do not help resolve morbid obesity because they fail to help people maintain weight loss. In fact, more than 90% of people regain the weight they lose within a few years after treatment.

Several factors can contribute to weight gain. Diet and exercise programs address factors that can be modified, such as lifestyle and behavior. However, because these methods fail to help people achieve and maintain a healthier weight, a strong link between our genetic makeup (which we’re born with) and obesity are postulated.