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Abdominal Obesity Greater Risk Factor For Indians, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

Abdominal Obesity Greater Risk Factor For Indians, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

Abdominal, also known as <span>central obesity</span>, poses a greater health risk than overall <span>obesity</span>, especially in Indians, said Dr. <span>Jitendra Singh</span>, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.

Speaking at the release of a cardiology textbook titled “Advances in Obesity and Lipid Management in <span>CVD</span>,” by eminent cardiologist Dr. H.K. Chopra, Singh said that even lean and thin-looking individuals often carry significant <span>visceral fat</span>. 

Amid a rapidly growing number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, the Minister shared that <span>abdominal obesity</span> is the driving factor. 

"There is sufficient evidence to show that Central obesity, even in apparently non-obese individuals, predisposes to a wide spectrum of metabolic disorders including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, dyslipidemia, etc.,” Singh, who is also a diabetologist, said. 

“In other words, <span>Abdominal or Central</span> obesity is a greater risk factor compared to overall obesity, particularly in the Indian context where even lean and thin-looking individuals often carry significant visceral fat,” he added. 

The Minister reiterated the importance of balanced health practices and emphasized the need for following a “sustained lifestyle discipline, adequate sleep, and scientifically guided preventive care”. 

Abdominal obesity refers to an excessive accumulation of visceral fat around the stomach and internal organs, such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and the mesentery of the intestine. 

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin, visceral fat is metabolically active and poses greater health risks. 

It can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some types of cancer.

It is because visceral fat produces hormones and other substances that can cause inflammation and insulin resistance, which can lead to these health problems. 

A 2024 study from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, showed that a higher level of visceral fat was related to increased amyloid -- accounting for 77 per cent of the effect of high <span>BMI</span> on amyloid accumulation. 

<h2>Who Is More At Risk Of Abdominal Obesity </h2>

The Minister said that while overall obesity is rising among both men and women, the prevalence of abdominal obesity remains disproportionately high and acts as an independent determinant of cardiometabolic risk. The presence of visceral fat around the abdomen, even without generalized obesity, has significant clinical implications and requires early detection and targeted intervention.

A waist circumference of more than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women may indicate a higher risk of visceral fat accumulation. 

While people with a larger waistline or pot belly are at known risk of having visceral fat, thin people too can have fat accumulation in their internal organs. 

According to health experts, even people with a healthy weight can have high levels of visceral fat. 

This is because visceral fat is not always visible on the outside of the body, and it can accumulate even if a person appears to be thin or in good shape.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/checking-bmi-for-body-weight-it-can-wrongly-mark-you-as-overweight-or-obese-says-study-article-153943176" data-type="tilCustomLink">Checking BMI For Body Weight? It Can Wrongly Mark You As Overweight or Obese, Says Study</a>

<h2>Strategies for Successful Weight Management </h2>

To tackle obesity, one needs a holistic strategy beyond mere weight reduction. Healthy and sustainable weight reduction and improvement of health are more about body composition than mere weight. Major strategies are: 

A balanced diet composed of whole foods, lean meats, and good fats in addition to physical exercise encourages sustainable weight reduction.

Resistance training helps in preserving muscle mass along with fat reduction, which improves metabolic well-being. 

Prescription weight-loss medication can help manage obesity alongside lifestyle changes. 

For people with severe obesity, surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may provide significant long-term advantages. 

Prioritize your metabolic health through healthy eating, portion control, and mindful eating for long-term success.

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Abdominal, also known as central obesity, poses a greater health risk than overall obesity, especially in Indians, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology. Speaking at the release of a cardiology textbook titled “Advances in Obesity and Lipid Management in CVD,” by eminent cardiologist Dr. H.K. Chopra, Singh said that even lean and thin-looking individuals often carry significant visceral fat. Amid a rapidly growing number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, the Minister shared that abdominal obesity is the driving factor. "There is sufficient evidence to show that Central obesity, even in apparently non-obese individuals, predisposes to a wide spectrum of metabolic disorders including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, dyslipidemia, etc.,” Singh, who is also a diabetologist, said. “In other words, Abdominal or Central obesity is a greater risk factor compared to overall obesity, particularly in the Indian context where even lean and thin-looking individuals often carry significant visceral fat,” he added.   Pleased to release the book titled “Advances in Obesity and Lipid Management in Cardiovascular Disease” edited by eminent Cardiologist Dr H K Chopra.&quot;There is sufficient evidence to show that Central obesity, even in apparently non-obese individuals, predisposes to a wide… pic.twitter.com/0UMiApNWJx&mdash; Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 29, 2026 ]]>The Minister reiterated the importance of balanced health practices and emphasized the need for following a “sustained lifestyle discipline, adequate sleep, and scientifically guided preventive care”. What Is Abdominal Obesity? Abdominal obesity refers to an excessive accumulation of visceral fat around the stomach and internal organs, such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and the mesentery of the intestine. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin, visceral fat is metabolically active and poses greater health risks. It can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some types of cancer.  It is because visceral fat produces hormones and other substances that can cause inflammation and insulin resistance, which can lead to these health problems. A 2024 study from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, showed that a higher level of visceral fat was related to increased amyloid -- accounting for 77 per cent of the effect of high BMI on amyloid accumulation.  Who Is More At Risk Of Abdominal Obesity The Minister said that while overall obesity is rising among both men and women, the prevalence of abdominal obesity remains disproportionately high and acts as an independent determinant of cardiometabolic risk. The presence of visceral fat around the abdomen, even without generalized obesity, has significant clinical implications and requires early detection and targeted intervention.A waist circumference of more than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women may indicate a higher risk of visceral fat accumulation. While people with a larger waistline or pot belly are at known risk of having visceral fat, thin people too can have fat accumulation in their internal organs. According to health experts, even people with a healthy weight can have high levels of visceral fat. This is because visceral fat is not always visible on the outside of the body, and it can accumulate even if a person appears to be thin or in good shape. Also read: Checking BMI For Body Weight? It Can Wrongly Mark You As Overweight or Obese, Says StudyStrategies for Successful Weight Management To tackle obesity, one needs a holistic strategy beyond mere weight reduction. Healthy and sustainable weight reduction and improvement of health are more about body composition than mere weight. Major strategies are: A balanced diet composed of whole foods, lean meats, and good fats in addition to physical exercise encourages sustainable weight reduction. Resistance training helps in preserving muscle mass along with fat reduction, which improves metabolic well-being. Prescription weight-loss medication can help manage obesity alongside lifestyle changes. For people with severe obesity, surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may provide significant long-term advantages. Prioritize your metabolic health through healthy eating, portion control, and mindful eating for long-term success.

abdominal obesity greater risk factor for indians, says dr. jitendra singh

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Abdominal Obesity Greater Risk Factor For Indians, says Dr. Jitendra Singh

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