Srinagar: Health experts in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concern over the rising prevalence of obesity, stating that unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles are the leading causes behind the growing health problem.
Doctors said obesity occurs due to an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, where individuals consume more calories than their bodies burn. This leads to excessive accumulation of body fat, which significantly increases the risk of several chronic and life-threatening diseases.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Javid Ahmad Reshie, a doctor at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said obesity has emerged as a major public health concern as it is closely linked with a range of non-communicable diseases.
“Obesity occurs when a person consistently consumes more calories than they burn through daily activities and physical exercise, resulting in excessive fat accumulation in the body,” he said.
Dr Reshie explained that obesity substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. “Excess body fat contributes to high blood pressure (hypertension) and elevated cholesterol levels, which significantly raise the risk of heart disease and stroke,” he said.
He further noted that obesity also affects metabolic health. “Excess fat in the body leads to insulin resistance, which raises blood sugar levels and can eventually result in type-2 diabetes. Obesity can also cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may progress to severe liver damage if not addressed,” he added.
The doctor also warned that obesity is associated with an increased risk of several cancers. “Studies have shown that obesity can increase the likelihood of developing cancers such as breast, colon and pancreatic cancer,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Muzamil Abdullah said that modern lifestyles characterised by prolonged sitting, lack of physical activity and excessive screen time are major contributors to obesity.
“A sedentary lifestyle not only affects physical health but also takes a toll on mental well-being. Research indicates that prolonged inactivity is linked with anxiety, depression and cognitive decline,” he said.
Dr Muzamil added that lack of physical activity has also been associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer.
He said obesity is not caused by lifestyle factors alone. “Genetic predisposition, hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome, along with stress, depression and emotional eating also play an important role in the development of obesity,” he explained.
According to doctors, obesity can lead to several health complications, including osteoarthritis due to excessive pressure on joints, mental health issues such as depression, low self-esteem and anxiety, and increased mortality rates because of associated illnesses. They stressed that adopting healthier lifestyle habits is key to preventing obesity and its complications.
Doctors advised people to consume balanced diets rich in fibre, proteins and healthy fats, while reducing the intake of processed and junk food. They emphasised the importance of engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, maintaining proper sleep patterns, managing stress effectively and undergoing regular health check-ups to monitor weight and detect underlying conditions early.
Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) indicates that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is significant in Jammu and Kashmir, with around 20.5 per cent of men and 29.4 per cent of women reported to be overweight or obese.
Additionally, a study conducted in Kashmir found that 15.01 per cent of the population was obese, including 7.01 per cent of men and 23.69 per cent of women, highlighting a higher burden among women in the region—(KNO)
