OVER 1 BILLION PEOPLE NOW OBESE GLOBALLY

A whopping 1 billion people worldwide are now living with obesity. The number has tripled since 1975. In such a scenario, weight loss has become a perpetual topic in our lives. Weight loss is not just about appearance—it is about empowerment and reclaiming control over our lives. When paired with healthy lifestyle changes, weight loss drugs can deliver health benefits far beyond just losing weight. Controlling obesity can help prevent a host of other diseases such as heart ailments, kidney and liver disorders, and sleep apnea. This was stated by former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, during the formal launch of the book ‘The Weight Loss Revolution‘ written by Dr Ambrish Mithal and co-author Shivam Vij, held at ITC Rajputana. She was addressing the audience as the Chief Guest on the occasion. The event was organised under the Prabha Khaitan Foundation’s ‘Kitaab’ initiative in association with Ehsaas Women.

Raje also highlighted that 12–15% of children in India are obese, calling it a public health crisis in the making. She emphasized the need to include nutrition education in school curriculums to build healthier habits early on.  Speaking about the book, Raje said it connects people with science and helps demystify complex concepts in an engaging and relatable way. It also aligns solutions with reality. Later, Dr Ambrish Mithal in a conversation with co-author Shivam Vij, explored the book’s key themes and its relevance in today’s world. The session offered a deep dive into weight-loss drugs, their correct use, and the science behind them. The book presents a powerful narrative on India’s growing crisis of obesity and related disorders. From being called the “diabetes capital”, India is now also facing an alarming rise in childhood obesity.

In the discussion, Dr Mithal explained that GLP-1 is a natural hormone released by the intestines when we eat, helping regulate appetite and glucose metabolism. Scientists have developed drugs that mimic this hormone — such as semaglutide, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — which stay active in the body for longer and enhance this natural process. He highlighted that while these drugs can enable weight reduction of up to 15–20% of body weight, they must be used responsibly and only under medical supervision. They are recommended for individuals with a higher BMI or those with diabetes and excess weight, as part of a structured plan that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. Rooted in Indian data, The Weight Loss Revolution blends lifestyle, medicine, and tradition to offer holistic, science-backed solutions for modern India’s health challenges. Earlier the book was launched by Former CM Vasundhara Raje; Author, Dr. Ambrish Mithal; Co-author Mr. Shivam Vij; Chairperson of We Care, and Honorary convenor Rajasthan & Central India PKF Ms. Apra Kuchhal; National Advisor of PKF, Ms. Vinnie Kakkar; Ehsaas Women of Jaipur, Ms. Sunita Shekhawat, Ms. Kulsum Malik and Ms. Rina Bhandari. The event concluded with a Q&A session with the audience.