India’s Growing Obesity Crisis: 1 in 5 Households Affected
India’s Growing Obesity Crisis: 1 in 5 Households Affected A recent ICMR study has shed light on a growing public health concern in India—20% of Indian households now have all adult members classified as overweight, while 10% have all adults considered obese. This trend is most prevalent in urban regions and southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, where lifestyle changes and dietary habits are rapidly evolving. Obesity is commonly assessed through Body Mass Index (BMI). An adult is considered overweight if their BMI lies between 25 and 29.9, and obese if it exceeds 30. The issue is no longer individual but household-wide. In states like Manipur, Kerala, and Sikkim, over 30% of families fall into this category. The study reveals a direct correlation between affluence and obesity. Alarmingly, 17.3% of wealthy households had all adults overweight, while Scheduled Tribes showed the lowest clustering at just 4.2%. This emphasizes how urbanization, sedentary jobs, and processed diets are influencing family-wide health. The data points to an urgent need for community-level awareness, preventive strategies, and lifestyle interventions. This trend is particularly concerning given the known link between obesity and 13 different cancers, along with lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Experts stress the importance of early detection and family-based health counseling. As India faces this mounting health challenge, it’s time for individuals and families to embrace active living, balanced nutrition, and routine health checkups. Promoting awareness and healthy habits at the household level is the first step in reversing this growing epidemic.
COVID-19: A Recurring Threat – How to Protect Your Kids
COVID-19: A Recurring Threat – How to Protect Your Kids It has been more than five years since humanity first came face toface with COVID-19 a global health pandemic that transformed how we live, work, and look after our health. Though the worst waves are behind us, COVID-19 did not vanish. It keeps changing, and periodic outbreaks still remind us that a constant watch is required. At ONP Hospital we keep on offering evidence based care, educating patients, and keeping the community informed and safe. The Current Status of COVID-19 (2025) New Variants:COVID-19 keeps evolving. Newer variants (such as Omicron sublineages) have a tendency to cause less severe disease, but they are more contagious., Hybrid Immunity: Everyone is now to some extent immunized by vaccines, previous infections, or both. This has greatly minimized hospitalizations and fatalities. COVID is endemic today, similar to the flu, with seasonal cycles and minor flare ups. Vaccination: Still Essential Even today, in 2025, COVID-19 vaccination continues to be important, particularly for:Older adults (age > 60), Individuals with diabetes, heart disease or lung disease – Immunocompromised patient, Healthcare workers Booster doses (updated yearly, like flu shots) are recommended for high-risk groups. Consult your doctor to know if you’re due for a booster. Symptoms to Watch COVID-19 symptoms now often resemble the common cold or flu: Fever, body aches • Sore throat, cough Runny nose, headache , Fatigue Loss of smell/taste (less common in newer variants) If symptoms do not go away or get worse, particularly in seniors or comorbid patients, see a doctor early. When to Test You may want to get a COVID test if:You’re experiencing flu-like symptoms You’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positiveYou’re going to travel or have surgery You live with someone who’s at risk (elderly or immunocompromised)Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are general usage, but RT-PCR is still the gold standard when accuracy is required. Long COVID: A New Frontier Certain patients experience symptoms weeks to months post-recovery, such as: Fatigue, Brain fog Breathlessness, Sleep disturbances This condition, termed Long COVID, demands organized medical follow-up and rehabilitation. We at ONP Hospital offer comprehensive care for these patients. Prevention: Old Habits Still Matter COVID-19 retaught us the importance of simple hygiene: Frequently wash hands , Use a mask in congested or enclosed spacesDon’t touch your face unnecessarily, Keep spaces inside well-ventilatedPractice distance when illThese easy habits not only avoid COVID-19 but also help decrease flu, colds, and other infections. Last WordsCOVID-19 taught us to be resilient, compassionate, and health preparedness professionals. The virus may remain with us, but panic is not needed—preparedness is.Stay in the know. Stay guarded. Stay fit.