Islamabad:
Health experts have expressed profound concern about the alarming increase in obesity and depression in young people in Pakistan, revealing that around 38 million people across the country are affected by obesity.
The problem was highlighted in a seminar entitled “Unprecedented partnerships for a healthier tomorrow”, aimed at raising awareness and promoting collaboration efforts to fight obesity in Pakistan.
Addressing the seminar, Jakob Linulf, Denmark ambassador to Pakistan, stressed the vital role of partnerships in the resolution of the global health challenges such as obesity.
“The fight against obesity requires collective action. Danish companies like Novo Nordisk contribute significantly to the Pakistan health care landscape. I am convinced that this collaboration will leave a lasting lasting impact on public health in Pakistan. A unified strategy is essential to counter the growing threat of chronic diseases such as obesity,” he said.
Dr. Javed Akram, president of Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, stressed the seriousness of the problem, declaring: “Nearly 38 million people in Pakistan are currently living with obesity – a condition now recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization.
Rashid Rafiq Butt, director general of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, presented progress in the treatment of obesity, claiming: “We have introduced innovative therapy based on GLP-1, which already helps millions in the effective weight management. However, to tackle complex obesity in Pakistan, we must adopt a coordinated approach involving of government bodies, institutions communities, coordinated organizations. “
