13 February 2025: A recent study conducted by Novo Nordisk, involving over 2,000 people living with obesity (PwO) and 300 healthcare professionals (HCPs), has revealed critical insights into the challenges faced by PwO in India. The study highlights a significant disconnect between awareness, understanding and management of obesity, underscoring the need for an integrated, long-term approach to treatment. It also underlines the growing need for a comprehensive approach to obesity management in India.The study identifies that one-third of PwO in India do not recognise the severity of their condition, often believing they are merely overweight or even of normal weight. This denial of obesity reflects widespread misconceptions and a lack of awareness on its implications, which contributes to delayed treatment and worse health outcomes.
It is often disregarded that obesity is linked to multiple complications that affects every part of the body including physical, metabolic, cardiovascular, cancer-related, mental and other health issues. Two in five PwO suffer from conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. HCPs report that many PwO have anywhere between 1 and 4 comorbidities, such as high blood pressure (32%), high cholesterol (27%), eating disorder (23%) and cardiovascular diseases (19%); reinforcing that obesity is a chronic disease requiring medical intervention. Dr. Maya Sharma, Vice President Clinical, Medical, Regulatory and Pharmacovigilance at Novo Nordisk India, emphasised the importance of addressing this issue, stating, “The first step towards obesity management is to understand that it is a chronic disease. We need to support PwO with tools that not only help them lose weight but also maintain that loss over time.”
PwO face significant barriers in their weight loss journeys and immense difficulties in maintaining weight loss. Over half of those surveyed report reverting to old eating habits despite their efforts to change.Lack of motivation, fear of failure, unhealthy eating habits and a lack of exercise were cited as the most common obstacles. Alarmingly, 44% regain lost weight within six months, emphasising the need for more sustainable, long-term solutions that go beyond just lifestyle adjustments.
More than 70% of PwO recognise obesity as a chronic disease, yet many still feel it is their sole responsibility to manage their weight. This contrasts with how other chronic diseases, like diabetes or hypertension are perceived, where medical intervention is commonly accepted. Encouragingly, four in five HCPs are comfortable discussing weight with their patients, and among PwO who have had these discussions, the majority report positive experiences.
As a conclusion, Mr. Vikrant Shrotriya, Corporate Vice President, Novo Nordisk India said, “Recent research has shed light on the perceptions and challenges faced by people living with obesity (PwO) in India. Despite the growing awareness, there are still significant misconceptions and hurdles that need to be addressed. Hence, involvement by the government is crucial in addressing the growing obesity challenge in India. Obesity is not just an individual issue but a significant public health concern that impacts healthcare resources, economic productivity, and the overall well-being of our society. A multifaceted approach that includes policy interventions, awareness programs, and accessible healthcare solutions is essential to address this complex issue effectively.”