The Sahitya Aaj Tak 2026 festival continues in Lucknow, showcasing a significant panel discussion titled 'Win Over Weight,' which features renowned medical experts addressing the pressing issue of obesity and its connection to diabetes and other health concerns. The session, moderated by senior journalist Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor, highlighted the rising obesity rates in India and the widespread misconceptions surrounding 'healthy obesity.' Dr. Rajeev Awasthi, a diabetologist from Evergreen Multi-Specialty Hospital in Lucknow, emphasized that obesity is universally recognized as a disease and not merely a cosmetic concern.

During the discussion, the panel members elaborated on the complexities of obesity, stating that it is linked to a range of health conditions—230 in total. These include serious risks that can arise even in the absence of diabetes or high blood pressure. The conversation painted a stark picture of how individuals with obesity face 23% higher mortality risk compared to those with a normal weight, which signals an urgent need for awareness and preventative measures. The aim of the session was to debunk myths surrounding obesity and encourage proactive health management.

Overall, the insights from this expert panel reveal an alarming need for a societal shift in understanding obesity not just as a personal health issue but as a public health crisis that requires immediate action and comprehensive solutions. With growing rates of obesity in India, the discussions at the Sahitya Aaj Tak festival serve to raise awareness about this critical issue, urging both individuals and healthcare systems to address it earnestly.