Obesity is linked to as many as 229 diseases and may shorten life by five to 11 years, according to senior endocrinologists and medical specialists. The experts called for early lifestyle changes alongside medically supervised treatment. They also noted that Pakistan now has access to some of the world’s most affordable advanced medicines for obesity, diabetes and related complications.
More than 1,100 doctors from Sindh and other parts of the country attended the Metabolic Health Forum at Getz Pharma’s Astola facility. There, experts described obesity as a major driver of diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, disability and premature death. Therefore, the forum placed heavy emphasis on early intervention.
Endocrinologist Dr Abbas Raza said obesity causes or contributes to 229 diseases. He cited data showing knee osteoarthritis in 52 percent of obese people and hypertension in 51 percent. Sleep apnoea affected 40 percent, while fatty liver disease appeared in 29 percent. Meanwhile, heart attacks and diabetes each affected 21 percent, and major depression affected 19 percent.
Dr Raza said one in four Pakistanis, or 25 percent of the population, lives with obesity, including women and children. He stressed that obesity is not an issue of appearance or willpower. Instead, he blamed urbanisation, sedentary routines, sugary drinks, energy-dense foods and limited physical activity for the rising burden.
According to Dr Raza, more than 75 percent of people with excess weight do not consider themselves overweight or obese. As a result, many fail to change their lifestyles or seek help before complications develop. He added that Pakistanis are fortunate to have early access to advanced medicines at affordable prices. Semaglutide, he said, can help suitable patients alongside healthier diets, exercise and long-term follow-up.
International Diabetes Federation figures show that 34.5 million Pakistani adults have diabetes, with prevalence reaching 31.4 percent. Still, Dr Raza noted that obesity is often addressed only after complications emerge. Getz Pharma Deputy Managing Director Zeeshan Ahmed said the company has invested heavily in manufacturing, quality systems and research. He added that Getz Pharma exports medicines to about 45 countries and is expanding into Eastern Europe and South America.
Prof A.H. Amir said GLP-1 medicines act like a natural signal that helps control appetite and blood sugar. He said these treatments could prove cost-effective by preventing hospital admissions, disability and expensive heart and kidney complications. Prof Saeed A. Mahar said body mass index is useful but should not be the only factor in treatment decisions. Doctors, he said, should also consider waist size, illnesses and previous attempts involving diet and exercise.
Dr Faisal Masood Qureshi said Pakistan is producing affordable weight-control medicines that meet international quality standards. He stressed the need for uninterrupted supply and safeguards against counterfeit products and unsupervised use. Furthermore, evidence presented at the forum showed that semaglutide may offer benefits beyond weight and blood sugar control. The SELECT study found a 20 percent reduction in cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke, while the FLOW study reported a 24 percent reduction in serious kidney outcomes among high-risk patients.
Experts said a major trial found that patients receiving semaglutide lost nearly 15 percent of their body weight. An Endocrine Practice review also reported possible heart, kidney, liver and quality-of-life benefits. The panel discussion included several other specialists, including Dr Saima Askari, Dr M A Ebrahim and Prof Karim Kammeruddin, among others. Organisers said free guidance from medical experts was available at health-fitness.pk or by calling (021) 111-455-455.
Finally, the experts warned that semaglutide is not a miracle injection and should not be used for unsupervised cosmetic weight loss. They called for healthier lifestyles, trained prescribers, affordable treatment and protection against counterfeit medicines.
