Current Concepts of Obesity Management in India

Obesity has emerged as a major public health challenge in India, with prevalence rising across all socioeconomic groups. This article reviews current concepts in obesity management in India, including prevention, government initiatives, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic procedures, and bariatric surgery. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of management, supported by public health programs such as Fit India Movement and Poshan Abhiyaan. New pharmacotherapies like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide are promising but limited by cost and access. Endoscopic interventions, such as gastric balloons, provide minimally invasive options for moderate obesity. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity, with sleeve gastrectomy and mini-gastric bypass being the most common procedures. Robotic bariatric surgery, pioneered in India, offers enhanced precision and safety, particularly in complex cases. However, barriers such as cost, stigma, and lack of insurance coverage persist. A national framework integrating prevention, early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and insurance reforms is essential to address India’s obesity epidemic.