World Obesity Day 2025 is on March 4, and a recent Lancet study has highlighted a staggering fact—over half of the world’s adults classified as overweight or obese reside in just eight countries. These countries include China (402 million), India (180 million), the United States (172 million), Brazil (88 million), Russia (71 million), Mexico (58 million), Indonesia (52 million), and Egypt (41 million). Additionally, a study comparing India and the U.S. found that 12% of Indians are overweight or obese, compared to 49% of Americans.
Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, a bariatric surgeon practicing at MetaHeal – Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center, Saifee, Apollo, and Namaha Hospitals, discusses how obesity continues to be one of the most stigmatized health conditions. It’s often viewed as a personal failure, rather than recognized as a complex, multifactorial disease. Dr. Bhasker explains that people with obesity (PWOs) are frequently subjected to negative judgments, such as being labeled “lazy” or “lacking willpower.” These biases are reinforced by harmful media portrayals and social media ridicule, which have worsened since the pandemic.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment
Dr. Bhasker emphasizes that the stigma around obesity leads to poor mental health, increased self-blame, and unhealthy eating behaviors. Internalized stigma can make managing weight even more difficult, as it discourages individuals from seeking medical care or following treatment plans.
Dr. Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela, also stresses the importance of shifting the focus from blaming individuals to offering solutions. He suggests promoting body diversity, educating people about metabolic health, and improving access to supportive healthcare. Workplaces, in particular, can play a vital role in this shift by prioritizing health over appearance.
Health-Focused Workplaces
Workplaces themselves can contribute to poor health, especially when long working hours are combined with high stress and little time for self-care. Dr. Bhasker points out that such conditions often lead to unhealthy eating patterns, sedentary lifestyles, and an increased risk of obesity. She explains that employees struggling with their weight may find themselves in environments that prioritize productivity over well-being, which only amplifies stigma.
Dr. Kovil adds that a healthy workforce is not just about weight but overall well-being. Employers should focus on promoting fitness, nutrition, mental health, and work-life balance. Offering flexible work hours for physical activity, nutritious food options in the workplace, and stress management programs can all contribute to better employee health.
Prioritizing Well-Being Over Body Size
According to Dr. Bhasker, organizations that foster a culture of well-being—valuing employee health over long working hours and body size—will not only reduce stigma but also boost morale, productivity, and overall workforce health. A workplace that supports its employees’ health is one where individuals feel empowered and respected.
Dr. Kovil also warns against basing promotions on weight or health parameters. While encouraging good health is important, using body metrics as career benchmarks can lead to bias and exclusion. Instead, Dr. Kovil suggests that companies should reward participation in wellness programs without penalizing employees based on their body type.
Government Support for Wellness
Dr. Kovil proposes that governments introduce tax exemptions on health-related expenses as a potential game-changer. He advocates for policies that incentivize gym memberships, nutrition counseling, and the purchase of healthy foods. Making wellness more accessible through such policies could create a culture where health is seen as a right, not a privilege, leading to a workforce that thrives both physically and professionally.
In conclusion, as we approach World Obesity Day 2025, it is vital to rethink how we view and address obesity. Shifting the conversation from blame to solutions, creating supportive environments in the workplace, and offering government incentives for health can all contribute to a healthier, more inclusive society.
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