Maharashtra Govt Starts Anti-Obesity Campaign for Students; Medical Colleges Roped In

In a move to create more awareness about the health of students and teaching staff, Girish Mahajan, Minister of Water Resources and Medical Education, Maharashtra on Tuesday, 29 November 2016 launched an awareness campaign in the state.

Themed under the campaign 'Fight Obesity', it will continue for a month long period of time and will conclude on 29 December 2016. Under the campaign, Body Mass Index (BMI) tests of students and teaching staff will be carried out at 16 medical colleges located in various districts of the state.

Also Read: UGC Asks Universities to Keep a Tab on Students’ Health Indexes

Launched in collaboration with JT Foundation, the campaign intends to create awareness about obesity and its related diseases throughout the state.

More Facts about Obesity:

• Around 30 million people in India are suffering from obesity.
• World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned India to recognise the threat of obesity.
• WHO also asked India to take preventive steps.
• Obesity is one of the causes of cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks.
• Obesity is higher among people below the age of 40 in India.

The minister also said that it is a nice initiative to prevent this life-threatening disease from occurring among the younger generation. All the medical education colleges and institutions in Maharashtra will now have an exclusive obesity clinic. The move will help them develop a healthier nation.

Also Read: IIHMR, Narayana Health & IIM-A Join Hands to Elevate Health Management Education

Jayashree Todkar, Director of JT Foundation while speaking on the occasion said that though obesity is thought to be a cosmetic problem, but the reality is different and it is a health hazard. It is important for the obese to consult doctors and take steps to prevent further growth so as to maintain a healthier lifestyle. The campaign will help them understand the obese pockets in Maharashtra and also aid in taking remedial measures.

The initiative is part of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' move to fight against obesity and related lifestyle diseases that are increasing these days at an alarming rate.