Support group for diabetic, obese patients launched

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) In a bid to help people suffering from diabetes and obesity, a support group was launched here Wednesday by the IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils.

'En-Lighten' - an initiative by Max Super Specialty Hospital, will provide a platform to diabetic and obese people to share their experiences with each other. It will also educate patients about ways to deal with obesity and treatments options available.

The initiative was launched jointly by Pradeep Chowbey, vice-chairman, Max Healthcare and Delhi Daredevils players including Australian batsman Ben Rohrer, and Indian pacer duo Umesh Yadav and Siddharth Kaul.

"Having spread to epidemic proportions globally, India reports one-third of teenagers as obese. Going by such alarmingly high number of obese children in India, the day is not far when large population of our future adults will be morbidly obese," said Chowbey, the man behind the project.

"There is an urgent need to create public awareness about the mechanisms of identification, prevention and treatment of severe obesity," he added.

The doctor appealed to people who are affected by obesity or diabetes to join the group as it provides a platform for people to share their experiences with each other.

"People who are hesitant about discussing their problems with peers and family have got an opportunity to talk heart to heart with people with similar stories and a chance to discuss their medical and psychological concerns with experts," he said.

Citing a recent survey, the doctor said that approximately 48 percent of the Indian population is overweight due to unhealthy lifestyles.