Islamabad:
Health experts have expressed deep concern about the alarming increase in obesity and depression among Pakistan’s youth, which reveals that approx. 38 million people across the country are affected by obesity.
The question was brought into focus on a seminar entitled “Unlashed partnerships for a healthier tomorrow” aimed at increasing public attention and promoting collaborative efforts to fight obesity in Pakistan.
Jakob Linulf, Ambassador for Denmark in Pakistan, approached the seminar and emphasized the important role of partnerships in tackling global health challenges such as obesity.
“Tackling obesity requires collective action. Danish companies such as Novo Nordisk contribute significantly to Pakistan’s health landscape. I am convinced that this cooperation will leave a lasting positive impact on public health in Pakistan. A unified strategy is important to address the growing threat of chronic illnesses as obesity,” he said.
Dr. Javed Akram, President of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, highlighted the severity of the problem and said: “Almost 38 m of people in Pakistan are currently living with obesity-one state, now recognized as a disease of the World Health Organization. Its influence extends beyond individual well-being and poses significant challenges for public health.”
Rashid Rafiq Butt, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, presented progress in obesity and said: “We have introduced an innovative GLP-1-based therapy that already helps millions around the world to control weight effectively. To tackle obesity extensively in Pakistan, we must adopt a coordinated approach that involves government agencies, institutions, societies and non-government.”
