Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

New Delhi: With changing lifestyles, unhealthy diets and declining physical activity, OBESITY is rapidly emerging as a major public health concern worldwide. Health experts warn that obesity is not merely about body appearance; the real threat lies in the dangerous fat hidden inside the body, which can trigger several serious diseases.


Speaking at an international health conference in Delhi, Dr Ambrish Mithal, Chairman and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Healthcare, highlighted that the most dangerous fat in the body is not always visible.

“Obesity is not just the fat we see outside. The fat that accumulates around internal organs, known as Visceral Fat, is actually the most harmful,” said Dr Mithal.


Visceral Fat: The Hidden Trigger of Major Diseases
According to Dr Ambrish Mithal, Visceral Fat releases harmful chemicals and toxins in the body that affect vital organs.
One of the most affected organs is the Pancreas, which plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. When visceral fat interferes with insulin function, it leads to INSULIN RESISTANCE, significantly increasing the risk of DIABETES and HEART DISEASES.


Obesity Should Be Treated as a Disease
Experts emphasize that society often views OBESITY merely as a cosmetic issue. However, medical professionals say it should be treated as a serious chronic disease.
“We must stop seeing obesity only as an appearance issue. It is a medical condition that can lead to multiple serious health complications,” Dr Mithal stressed.


Can Weight Loss Reverse Diabetes?
According to Dr Ambrish Mithal, weight loss can play a powerful role in controlling — and in some cases reversing — DIABETES.
He explained that young individuals and patients in the early stages of diabetes may significantly improve their condition if they successfully reduce body weight and visceral fat.
“If we can bring people to their ideal body weight and reduce visceral fat, the number of diabetes cases could decline dramatically,” he said.

BMI Alone Does Not Tell the Full Story
While BMI (Body Mass Index) is widely used to determine healthy body weight, Dr Mithal noted that it is not the only indicator of health.
For Indians, a BMI between 21 and 23 is generally considered ideal, but the distribution of fat in the body is even more important.
Some individuals may appear slim but still carry hidden visceral fat around their organs, which can pose significant health risks.
The Simple “Healthy Plate” Formula
To maintain good health, Dr Ambrish Mithal recommended a simple and balanced eating pattern:
Half the plate: Vegetables and some fruits
One-quarter: Protein-rich foods
One-quarter: Cereals or whole grains
He also warned that modern diets often contain too many refined carbohydrates such as processed foods and refined flour, while lacking fiber and protein.
Increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein helps provide essential nutrients, antioxidants and better metabolic health.


Impact on the Human Body
Medical experts explain that when excess fat accumulates around internal organs, it disrupts the body’s biological systems. This can lead to:
Hormonal imbalance
Metabolic disorders
Increased pressure on the heart and blood vessels


Conclusion
Experts believe that weight management, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of OBESITY, DIABETES and HEART DISEASES.
With lifestyle-related diseases rising globally, reducing visceral fat and maintaining metabolic health has become one of the biggest challenges for modern healthcare systems.