PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Obesity is emerging as a major public health concern, especially in urban areas. Health experts in Dehradun say sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary patterns and growing reliance on processed foods are driving a steady rise in lifestyle-related disorders.
Nutritionist Deepshikha Garg said that the awareness about obesity is increasing but many people struggle to adopt sustainable changes. She warned that untreated obesity increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. According to the Indian Economic Survey 2025–26, 70 per cent of the urban population is overweight, with eight crore Indians identified as obese.
“Weight management requires both diet and physical activity. Many patients expect quick results without effort, focusing only on weight loss rather than fat management and overall metabolic health,” she said.
Garg stressed the importance of structured meal planning and proper hydration, including water and coconut water, to control cravings and prevent overeating.
Frequent consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods has significantly worsened obesity trends, according to dietician Bhagyalakshmi. “Home-cooked meals, balanced diets and awareness of proteins and micronutrients are essential for long-term health,” she said.
Bhagyalakshmi recommended traditional soups and healthy snacks such as nuts and roasted chana to manage cravings without extreme dietary restrictions. She also noted that Ayurveda promotes a balanced plate with appropriate proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and micronutrients to support metabolic balance.
Limited physical activity and high intake of sugar and junk food are major drivers of rising obesity cases, gym trainer Shubham Chaudhary said. “Regular workouts, timely meals and cutting back on sugar help control cravings. Even small amounts of daily exercise can prevent weight gain and improve cardiovascular health,” he said
