WOD 2024: World Obesity members in India rally around various activities

World Obesity members in India rallied around various activities, inspired by the 'Walk for Obesity' initiatives, and the need for increased education for students and professionals throughout the nation.

Associate member United World Against Diabetes (UWAD) organised a number of awareness-raising events, while the All India Association for Advancing Research on Obesity (AIAARO) provided essential education sessions on obesity management and body composition.

Among the walks organised by UWAD were events in the tribal areas of Nayagarh, Odisha State, where the need for obesity awareness and its implications on diabetes, childhood health, and the environment is vital. In Chhattishgarh State, a walk was held with youngsters rallying around the themes of obesity and diabetes, youth, women's health and stigma, while in Savitribai Phule Pune University, a walk was celebrated with students and others in the locality highlighting the importance of addressing obesity and diabetes.

View Dr Lalit Upadhay's video contribution to WOD:

Elsewhere, our full member in India, the All India Association for Advancing Research on Obesity (AIAARO), held education webinars with leading experts in the country. Addressing the theme of 'Let's Talk About Obesity and... Body Composition', attendees heard talks on subjects ranging from obesity medicines, sarcopenia, body composition analysis and the future of obesity assessment in India, with the session being chaired by AIAARO's Dr BM Makkar (Secretary) and Dr Mahendra Narwaria (President).

WOD activities did not stop on 4 March, as another webinar was organised by AIAARO shortly afterwards on the subject of obesity management. Speakers addressed the gamut of obesity management perspectives, from an introduction to the obesity burden in India, to the lifestyle aspect of obesity management, as well as medical and surgical management. The multi-disciplinary approach of the talks represented the wide array of perspectives represented by AIAARO.

AAIRO also published public awareness articles in India's print media on 4 March.