New Delhi, March 29 Union Minister Jitendra Singh shed light on abdominal or central obesity as 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.
The minister stated 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 generalised obesity, has significant clinical implications and requires early detection and targeted intervention," Singh said during the launch of a book titled 'Advances in Obesity and Lipid Management in CVD'.
The minister also highlighted the increasing incidence of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiac events, among younger populations, reflecting changing lifestyle patterns, dietary habits, and reduced physical activity.
Referring to projections indicating a sharp rise in obesity prevalence in India by 2050, Singh also called for strengthened awareness, early screening, and preventive healthcare measures to mitigate long-term health and economic risks.