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Chandigarh March 31, 2021:- According to Dr KS Kular obesity should not be taken lightly. He said that "Obesity is a complex disease that can impact the physical, mental and socio-economic well-being of the individual. The World Health Organization has termed the increased prevalence of obesity and diabetes as a '21st Century epidemic'. The twin epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes are on the rise. Obesity is the most frequently encountered metabolic disease worldwide. Moreover, its incidence and prevalence are rising rapidly. More than half of the world's population is overweight. Being overweight constitutes a health risk as it is associated with several comorbidities including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, respiratory diseases, osteo-arthritis and depression. The vertiginous rise in obesity triggers a parallel upward swing in diabetes mellitus statistics. A strong relationship between obesity and the onset of diabetes has been reported in several studies. The risk of diabetes increases exponentially as BMI increases above about 25 kg/m. In a large cross-sectional study in middle aged Indians, a BMI>23 was found to be associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
It has been over 10 years since the resolution of type 2 diabetes was observed as an outcome of surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Moreover, it has been shown unequivocally that diabetes-related morbidity and mortality have declined significantly postoperatively, and this improvement in diabetes control is long lasting.
Dr Kular added, "The most common cause of rising incidence of obesity in Punjab is sedentary lifestyle and social habits that lead to frequent dining out. There is an increasing tendency to eat junk food or overeat at buffets. Usually these large meals are accompanied by high alcohol consumption. Having said that, obesity is a multifactorial disease and can run in families due to genetic factors.
Dr Kular has also made a point that Obesity has been seen to be an independent risk factor for severe Covid-19 infection, even if the patient does not have any other disease. Various studies have demonstrated that the association between obesity and poor composite outcomes in COVID-19 was stronger in younger people, so they need more and early care. Covid-19 has been especially leading to complications in patients who are having Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 30. Recent evidence confirms that obesity weakens the immune system and therefore, making the host vulnerable to infectious diseases. Indeed, Obesity has emerged as a strong risk factor for severe disease in the current pandemic disease, COVID-19.
Obesity is a Disease which needs treatment by obesity specialists, and the government is also taking it seriously and taking strong steps to halt the increasing incidence.
To help ensure that severe obesity is treated with proven methods, insurance coverage of obesity treatment is a key policy step. Dr Kular shared his experience where many patients avoid seeking obesity treatment due to financial concerns. Some even question whether they should spend money on a 'cosmetic' need. Obesity is a serious medical condition. Covering its treatment with insurance would cement awareness and encourage many patients to seek appropriate medical treatment. He also informed that Insurance also now treats obesity treatment as per medical advice for morbidly obese. Though there is rampant misinformation about obesity treatment but Right/Scientific Therapy for the appropriate patient- Surgery is a viable option for 40+ BMI and 35+ BMI with co morbidities - Insurance will cover medically advised treatment as per new IRDAI regulation and all policies will have to comply from October 2020 onwards.
The central government's health scheme has been offering reimbursement to patients for bariatric surgery since November 2013. IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority), the Apex body governing general insurance business in India, has, vide its circular, proposed that all insurance companies to cover bariatric surgery in all its retail and group health products. IRDA in a statement confirmed that all state-owned and private insurers in India have to cover weight loss surgery to first time customers buying health insurance policies after October 1, 2019 and for all the existing customers from October 1, 2020.
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