International Obesity: Perspective in India

Although it is widely discussed obesity is a growing epidemic in western nations, particularly the United States, we are finding developing nations are catching up in this epidemic as well.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century, with morbid obesity affecting 5% of the country’s population. India is following a trend of other developing countries that are steadily becoming more obese. Unhealthy, processed food has become much more accessible following India’s continued integration in global food markets. Indians are genetically susceptible to weight accumulation especially around the waist. While studying 22 different SNPs near to MC4R gene, scientists have identified a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) named rs12970134 to be mostly associated with waist circumference. Type 2 Diabetes is widespread in India and Bariatric Surgery has been steadily on the rise in the Indian subcontinent. Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve and Lap Band are performed throughout India in many weight loss surgery centers. India is beginning to implement school based programs to decrease the rise of pediatric obesity as well.

Dr Kahlil Shillingford, located in Boca Raton, Florida is a weight loss surgeon who is sensitive to and aware of different ethnicities’ genetic predispositions to obesity. He is happy to educate and counsel patients on genetic vulnerabilities their family members may have to obesity and offer weight loss prevention programs. He practices the procedures of Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass and Lap Band in Northwest and Coral Springs Medical Centers.