With obesity and excess weight becoming increasingly common in Assam, healthcare experts have called for greater awareness and timely medical intervention, saying treatment options are now more accessible than ever.
According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), around 15 per cent of women aged 15-49 years in Assam are obese, while 16 per cent of men are overweight or obese. A 2024 study on obesity and physical inactivity in the state also found higher rates of overweight and obesity in urban areas compared to rural regions, highlighting the impact of changing lifestyles and dietary habits.
Doctors at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, recently ranked India’s best hospital by Newsweek in 2026, said obesity is being driven by sedentary lifestyles, reduced physical activity, poor eating habits, stress and inadequate sleep. They warned that excess weight significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease and sleep disorders.
Dr. Pawan Rawal, Senior Director, Gastroenterology at Medanta Gurugram, said obesity is a complex medical condition influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism and environmental factors. He noted that newer anti-obesity medicines, when prescribed appropriately and combined with lifestyle changes, can help patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improved health outcomes.
In Dibrugarh, healthcare providers are witnessing growing awareness about lifestyle-related diseases as urbanisation and changing work patterns reshape daily routines. The increasing demand for specialist consultations, preventive healthcare services and weight-management support reflects a broader shift toward proactive health management in Upper Assam.
Dr. Rawal advised people against self-medication and relying on social media trends for weight-loss solutions, urging those struggling with obesity to seek professional guidance early. He will be available for consultations at Dibrugarh Medicity on June 20. Medanta has also launched a dedicated North East helpline to assist patients with doctor selection and appointments in multiple regional languages.
