Bhagalpur: A growing number of people in Bihar are experiencing obesity, with doctors warning that increased abdominal girth significantly raises the risk of kidney, liver and heart disease.
According to Dr Rajkamal Chaudhary, head of the medicine department at Mayaganj Hospital, Bhagalpur, around 35 percent of patients visiting hospitals for health issues related to obesity exhibit a large belly or a body mass index (BMI) of 26 or above. A recent study of patients between July 1 and July 31 revealed that out of 510 people treated for kidney, heart and liver conditions, 183 had abdominal obesity.
Doctors attribute the rise in obesity to changing eating habits. “Earlier, fried or fatty foods were consumed four to five times a year. Now, children are regularly given fried items, noodles, biscuits and chocolates in their tiffin boxes. Fast food outlets, sweets and fried snacks are easily available in every street, contributing to the problem,” said Dr Chaudhary.
Lifestyle factors such as a sedentary routine, excess consumption of sweets and outside food, lack of exercise, and irregular sleep patterns are further fueling obesity.
Experts recommend regular BMI monitoring, limiting consumption of fried and sugary foods, prioritising home-cooked meals, and incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise or walking daily. Increasing intake of fruits and salads can also help mitigate the risks associated with abdominal obesity.
