CHANDIGARH, 07.09.24-The Department of Dietetics , PGIMER, Chandigarh, successfully observed National Nutrition Month by conducting a Public Forum themed “Obesity, Diabetes, and PCOS” on Saturday, 7th September 2024, at the APC Auditorium. The event, held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., was organized under the banner of “Janta ke Saath PGI ka Haath,” and aimed at fostering awareness and dialogue on the critical role of nutrition in health and well-being. The Public Forum brought together an impressive assembly of healthcare professionals, including renowned nutrition experts, to discuss strategies for promoting balanced nutrition, the latest research on dietary trends, and practical approaches to improving nutrition in daily life.
Dr. Nancy Sahni, Chief Dietician and Head of the Department of Dietetics at PGIMER, shared her insights into the root cause of obesity and related disorders and that how nutrition plays a pivotal role in preventing and controlling the same. She stated that "The forum was a wonderful opportunity for the public to engage with experts and learn about the significance of nutrition in managing lifestyle diseases. The topics covered during the forum included nutrition and diet management for insulin resistance, infertility, diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, hormonal imbalance, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, PCOS and metabolic syndrome. The importance of balanced diets, practical dietary habits, and a collaborative approach in tackling these issues cannot be overstated."
Dr. Sanjay Jain, Dean of Research and Head of the Internal Medicine Department, who served as the Chief Guest, emphasized, "Obesity is often misperceived as just a little extra weight, but it is a disease that needs serious attention. Diet is crucial; we must not only focus on weight but also on waist circumference, as it is a key indicator of chronic conditions. A waist circumference of more than 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women is associated with an increased risk of various diseases." Dr. Ashima Goyal, Sub Dean, highlighted, "Diabetes, PCOS, and obesity affect millions in India, placing a heavy burden on our healthcare system. It's imperative to focus on prevention through nutrition. What we eat has a direct impact on our health, and as a community, we must take responsibility to make nutrition our strongest ally in the fight against these lifelong diseases." Dr. Ashok Kumar, Additional Medical Superintendent, congratulated Dietetics Department for their endeavour and further stated, "Prevention is better than cure. It's essential to adopt healthy eating habits and lifestyles to prevent these conditions from developing." Dr. Vanita Jain pointed out, "PGIMER runs two clinics for PCOS, a condition that affects one out of ten women. Lifestyle modifications and a 5% weight loss can significantly correct PCOS symptoms, eliminating the need for medication in many cases. Nutrition and PCOS have a direct relationship, and with the right interventions, PCOS can be reversible." Dr. Devi Dayal, from the Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, remarked, "Obesity is a chronic disease that requires a focus on healthy eating habits. He appreciated the Dietetics Department’s efforts to conduct this public forum and emphasised that Public forums like today's should be conducted more frequently to disseminate vital information about our research and interventions, especially concerning Type 1 diabetes, which requires a balanced distribution of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins."
Dr. Sanjay Badada, Head of the Department of Endocrinology, discussed Type 2 diabetes, highlighting its role in causing blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease . Dr. Vishal commented on obesity, stating, "Obesity is often viewed merely as weight gain, but it is far more complex and causes constant heartburn leading to many gastroesophageal problems like GERD ( Gastrointestinal reflux disease) " The Public Forum also included an engaging question-and-answer session, allowing the general public to seek clarifications and learn from the dietetics and other experts present. The event was widely appreciated for disseminating essential insights on managing lifestyle diseases through nutrition, and it served as a meaningful step in promoting public health awareness.