Obesity crisis in Pakistan: over 80% have excessive waistlines, experts warn

Obesity crisis in Pakistan: over 80% of population at risk due to excessive waist circumference

KARACHI: Health experts have raised the alarm over Pakistan's rising obesity epidemic, calling it the “mother of all non-communicable diseases” and urging immediate national attention. According to recent screenings and baseline surveys, over 80% of Pakistani adults—both men and women—have excessive waistlines, putting them at serious risk of diabetes, hypertension, infertility, and organ failure.

At a recent awareness and health screening camp organized by the Karachi Press Club’s Health Committee in collaboration with Getz Pharma, medical specialists warned that obesity is now a national public health emergency that demands urgent awareness, early intervention, and community-wide lifestyle reforms.

Obesity is fueling a silent health crisis

Dr. Asma Ahmed, an endocrinologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, revealed staggering figures from national surveys:

• 35% of women and 28% of children in Pakistan are clinically obese
• Over 80% of adults have an unhealthy waist circumference
• One in three adults suffers from undiagnosed hypertension, often linked to obesity

She emphasized that obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue, but a chronic disease directly contributing to:

• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Hormonal imbalances and infertility in women
• Poor childhood development due to simultaneous obesity and malnutrition

“We are raising a generation that is both obese and malnourished,” she warned, stressing the need for home-cooked meals and reduced screen time for children.

Women, children most affected by sedentary lifestyles

Dr. Nazish Butt, Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), reinforced the urgency of tackling sedentary routines.

“People have stopped moving. In cities like Karachi, we’re witnessing rising obesity among women and children due to poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, and late-night screen use,” she said.

She called for community-based interventions, encouraging physical activity, routine screenings, and healthy eating habits to reverse the growing trend.

Getz Pharma launches national PREACH initiative

Dr. Wajiha Javed, Public Health Expert at Getz Pharma, shared alarming data from the Pak Sehat demographic survey—a landmark biobank and health study for South Asians:

• Over 80% of women and 70% of men are obese
• 50% of adults have high blood pressure
• 1 in 3 adults is diabetic

To combat this, she announced the launch of PREACH—a three-year national program to:

• Screen for undiagnosed hypertension
• Train private community health workers
• Raise awareness and establish patient referral networks

She noted that new anti-obesity medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are now available in Pakistan for individuals with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with associated conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Obesity is no longer just a personal issue—it’s a national crisis

Experts concluded that Pakistan must recognize obesity as a disease, not a symptom. Without a cultural and policy-level shift towards healthier living, the country's healthcare system could face an overwhelming burden of chronic disease and early mortality.

The screening camp provided free health checks and consultations to media personnel and their families. Key representatives from Getz Pharma, including Mikail Soomro, Agha Sadiq, Dr. Wajiha Javed, and Kashif Amin, along with Karachi Press Club officials, were present to support the awareness drive.

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