A recent study by AIG Hospital has found that 80% of IT employees in Hyderabad’s Hitech City are overweight. These findings were shared during the hospital’s Break The Weight programme on World Obesity Day. The study highlights a growing health issue among the city’s tech workers.
Obesity and Its Serious Health Effects
Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of AIG Hospital, warned that obesity is linked to almost every major disease. He emphasized that the problem in India is more severe than previously believed. “Obesity is no longer a minor issue; it is a serious health crisis,” he said.
Early Heart Disease and Rising Diabetes Cases
One of the most alarming concerns is the early onset of heart disease among IT professionals. Dr. Rajiv Menon, Head of Cardiology at AIG Hospital, revealed that heart attacks are happening 20 years earlier than expected. “In the West, heart diseases appear much later, but in Hyderabad, we are seeing people in their 20s suffer from heart attacks due to obesity,” he said.
Dr. Menon also warned that Hyderabad is quickly becoming the diabetes capital of India. The study’s findings match data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), which shows that 32% of men and 30% of women in Telangana are overweight or obese—higher than the national average.
Other Health Issues Linked to Obesity
Obesity affects more than just heart health. It increases the risk of several other serious conditions:
– Liver Disease: Dr. P. Nagaraja Rao, Chief of Hepatology, has noticed a rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Many patients who have never consumed alcohol are developing liver problems due to obesity. In severe cases, this can lead to liver cancer.
– Hormonal and Reproductive Issues: According to gynaecologist Dr. Shraddha Ramchandani, obesity is a major cause of polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) and infertility. Excess body fat disrupts hormones, affecting ovulation and increasing the risk of miscarriage.
– Sleep and Breathing Problems: Obesity also causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where fat around the neck blocks airflow during sleep. Pulmonologist Dr. Vishwanath Gella added that obesity weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infections like pneumonia and influenza.
The Need for Immediate Action
Doctors stress that obesity is mainly caused by lifestyle changes, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. “With sedentary jobs and unhealthy eating habits, Hyderabad’s IT workforce is at serious risk,” said Dr. Apoorva Munigela, Associate Director of Internal Medicine.
While obesity is rising in urban areas like Hyderabad, undernutrition remains a concern in rural parts of Telangana. Health experts are calling for urgent interventions, such as lifestyle changes and increased awareness of obesity-related risks.
The study serves as a wake-up call for IT professionals in Hyderabad, urging them to take action before obesity-related diseases become irreversible.
