World Anti-Obesity Day 2023: Unveiling the Influence of Stigma on Obesity Care in India

Obesity's alarming rise in India, affecting 135 million as per WHO, faces societal stigma hindering effective care. It discusses the surge of obesity cases, societal stigma, misconceptions affecting care, mental health repercussions, and barriers to accessing care. Highlighting the need for holistic approaches, it emphasizes initiatives to combat stigma, urging societal, healthcare, and policy efforts for inclusive care.

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In India, obesity's rising prevalence, noted at 135 million cases by the WHO, poses a grave health concern due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes. Dr Vikas Singhal highlights how societal stigma impedes effective obesity care, breeding discrimination, and deterring medical support.

The societal attitude toward obesity fuels discrimination across workplaces, social circles, and healthcare settings. Misconceptions attributing obesity solely to personal choices overshadow the complex factors involved, hindering effective care.

The link between obesity-related stigma and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem is profound. This impacts healthcare outcomes as individuals avoid seeking medical help, worsening conditions, and increasing the healthcare burden.

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social isolation—these are the mental health impacts of obesity stigma. Avoidance of medical assistance worsens health conditions, burdening the healthcare system and hindering positive health outcomes.

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Stigmatization acts as a barrier to accessing healthcare, altering health-seeking behaviours and impeding early detection and management of obesity-related issues. Holistic approaches, including mental health support and creating supportive environments, are imperative.

Initiatives to combat stigma involve public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the creating of safe spaces and support groups. Healthcare providers need training to approach obesity with empathy and offer personalized care plans, emphasizing mental health alongside physical well-being.