Over 70% of Pakistani Men and Women Have One Common Disease

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is facing a serious obesity crisis, with 81% of women and 74% of men now obese, doctors warned during a seminar in Lahore.

The event, hosted by Getz Pharma at the Lahore Press Club, aimed to raise awareness. Experts blamed the growing problem on poor diets, lack of exercise, and addiction to screens.

Dr Ghias Un Nabi Tayyab, a professor of gastroenterology, said most people in Pakistan still wrongly believe that being overweight means being healthy. “Over 70% of our people are obese. Our diets are often high in sugar and fats. We don’t move enough, and that’s killing us,” he said.

He explained that a waistline above 35 inches in men and 31 inches in women is a red flag. Diabetes is now being seen in people as young as 20, he warned. He advised switching to high-protein, high-fiber meals and cutting sugar and processed food.

Prof Dr M Imran Hassan Khan said obesity should be treated as a disease. He explained that a healthy BMI is between 18 and 23. Anything above 25 shows obesity. He added that high insulin levels store fat faster and cause heart problems and high blood pressure.

He urged people to reduce carbs to under 100 grams a day and eat more fiber-rich foods. He also called on the media to bust the myth that fat means healthy.

Orthopaedic expert Dr Tariq Sohail said weight gain harms muscles, bones, and joints. “The body’s balance gets affected. The knees suffer the most. And poor diets are making bones weaker,” he said. He also blamed the late-night food culture and said people should move more.

The experts said early health checks, daily activity, and better eating habits are key to fighting this crisis.

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Speaking at the event, Kashif Amin said health awareness can save lives and money. He said, “Diseases like obesity and diabetes also affect our economy. That’s why we are bringing health education straight to the people, especially journalists, who influence public opinion.”

A free health camp for journalists and their families showed many of them had obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.