Manipal Hospitals, Malleshwaram, organizes a 9-km cyclothon to raise awareness of the health risks posed by obesity
Bengaluru: Today, Manipal Hospital, Malleshwaram organized a cyclothon reinforcing their vision to change the way people care about obesity through awareness and action. Pramod Kunder; Hospital Director, along with Dr. Nagesh H. E, Consultant – Cardiology; Dr. Shankar V, Senior Physician – Internal Medicine and Dr. G K Prakash, Consultant – Nephrologist, Manipal Hospital, Malleshwaram kick-started the event and were joined by 170 participants including an incredible team of health care workers in their journey of pedaling away from a life of obesity.
India has over 135 million (13.5 crores) obese people, almost a tenth of the 13.9 billion population of our country.
- 2016 onwards it is a rising trend in obesity. The prevalence of obesity is reported to be 11% and 15% among the adult male and female population of India respectively.
- Across the world, obesity affects about 39 million people above 5 years of age, the prevalence being higher in females as compared to males.
- 1 in every 5 has diabetes and the risk of hypertension is 6 times higher in obese as compared to the general population.
- Obesity can be accounted for 52% of all strokes, 24.8% of hypertension-related issues, 65% of dyslipidemia cases, and 17% of all cardiac cases in India.
- Studies have shown that cycling not only improves your cardiovascular health, strengthens your bones, and boosts your mental health, but is also among the best methods to lose weight and battle obesity.
To avoid this ‘pandemic of the future,’ it is crucial to break this cycle of an unhealthy lifestyle. And, many doctors suggest cycling as the best way to get in a good workout and lose some calories, while ensuring you maintain social distance in these times of the pandemic and secure yourself a healthy future.
“People with obesity have a high-risk factor for many issues, especially diabetes and cardiac issues around the world. It is a concern to see more and more youngsters getting accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle in India. Apart from dietary and lifestyle changes, youngsters need to take part in walking, running, cycling, swimming, or gym either 45 to 60 minutes per day or 150 minutes of exercise per week.” said Dr. Shankar V, Senior Physician – Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Malleshwaram.
“Obesity increases body fat results in Ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of lower chambers of the heart), atrial (upper chamber) enlargement which in turn results in fast and erratic heart rates (Atrial fibrillation) with consequences of stroke. Unattended for a long time, this leads to LV dysfunction (reduction in pumping efficiency),” said Dr. Nagesh H E, Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospitals, Malleshwaram. “Work restrictions and work from home have reduced socializing during the covid pandemic. This has led to another pandemic of overweight and obesity,” Dr. Nagesh H E adds.
