More than 40 percent of people are struggling and facing difficulties in controlling weight
Study findings show that due to lack of awareness, the victims do not understand its seriousness
05 February 2025: A recent study conducted by Novo Nordisk has revealed that PwO (People with Obesity) in India face major challenges. This study was conducted on more than 2,000 people with obesity (PwO) and 300 health care professionals (HCPs). The study reveals a significant gap between awareness, understanding and management of obesity, which underlines the need for an integrated, long-term approach to treatment. The study has revealed that one in every three PwO in India does not understand the seriousness of their condition and often considers themselves only overweight or normal weight. This reflects the misconceptions about obesity and lack of awareness of its effects, which leads to delay in treatment and poor health outcomes. What is often overlooked is that obesity is associated with a number of complications that affect every part of the body. This includes physical, metabolic, cardiovascular, cancer, mental and other health problems. Two out of every five people with obesity (PwO) suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. According to health care professionals (HCPs), many PwO have 1 to 4 comorbidities such as high blood pressure (32%), high cholesterol (27%), eating disorders (23%) and cardiovascular diseases (19%). This reinforces the fact that obesity is a chronic disease that requires medical attention. Speaking on the issue, Dr. Maya Sharma, Vice President (Clinical, Medical, Regulatory and Pharmacovigilance), Novo Nordisk India said, “The first step towards managing obesity is to understand that it is a chronic disease. We need to provide PwO with tools and resources that not only help them lose weight, but also maintain that weight in the long term.”
People with obesity (PwO) face multiple hurdles in losing weight and extreme difficulties in maintaining the weight. More than half of the people surveyed reported that despite efforts to change, they revert to their old eating habits. Lack of motivation, fear of failure, unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise are the most common barriers. Worryingly, 44% of people gain back the lost weight within six months. This makes it clear that beyond just lifestyle changes, more sustainable and long-term solutions are needed. Over 70% of PwO recognise obesity as a serious and long-term disease, yet many consider it their personal responsibility to manage it. Positively, four out of five healthcare professionals are comfortable discussing weight issues with their patients.
Vikrant Shrotia, Corporate Vice President, Novo Nordisk India said, “Recent research has highlighted the perceptions and challenges experienced by people with obesity in India. Despite growing awareness, there are still major misconceptions and barriers that need to be addressed. Hence, government involvement is vital to tackle the growing obesity problem in India. Obesity is not just an individual issue but a significant public health concern. A multi-pronged approach is required to address it effectively, including policy interventions, awareness programmes and accessible healthcare solutions.” There is an ever-increasing need to recognise obesity as a long-term, serious disease and raise awareness about it. Clearing misconceptions, providing ongoing support to PwO, and integrating medical, behavioral, and lifestyle interventions are effective approaches to weight management.