Expressnews
Chennai, 4th August 2024: Department of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery from GEM Hospital – pioneers in minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic & robotic surgeries) and India’s leading Bariatric Surgical Centre successfully hosted the 7th edition of the annual conference “Obesicon” in the city, themed ‘Conquering Mount Obesity’.
The conference featured keynote presentations and Interactive sessions from eminent personalities like Dr. PalaniappanManickam aka Dr.Pals, Gastroenterologist – California,Dr.J.V.Balasubramaniyan, Cardiologist, Sri RamachandraHospital – Chennai, Ms. Devimeena Sundaram, Strength & Conditioning Specialist and International Kettlebell Athlete, and experts from GEM Hospital – Dr. Praveen Raj, Head of Dept. of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery, Dr. Saravana Kumar, Lead Consultant – Dept. of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery and Dr. Magnus Jayaraj, Surgeon Consultant – Dept. of HPB & Liver Transplant,covering a wide range of topics related to obesity, including the surgical and non-surgical approaches, gut metabolic diseases, the latest advancements in treatments, role of diet and exercise, and strategies for prevention at the individual and community levels.
The summit saw participation from more than 200 delegates consist of Surgeons, Physicians, Dietitians, Clinical Psychologists, General Practitioners and Endocrinologists from all over the country. The objective of this all important conference was to discuss and implement the multi modality management approach to obesity.
Dr. C. Palanivelu, Chairman, GEM Hospital said that, “We are thrilled to bring together experts from across the country to discuss the pressing issue of obesity and explore ways to successfully conquer this mountain of a problem. This conference will serve as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and action towards improving the health and well-being of individuals affected by obesity”.
“India stands third in the highest number of obese individuals in the world following USA & China. We also ranked 2nd in Child Obesity only behind China, which is not a healthy stat to be proud of. Lack of physical activity and westernization of diet have contributed vastly to this ever-increasing problem in India”, he further added.
Dr. Praveen Raj, Director and Head of Dept. of Obesity & Metabolic Surgery, GEM Hospitals stated, “Obesity is a pressing public health concern that affects millions of individuals worldwide, leading to a range of serious health complications, including diabetes, heart disease, infertility, certain types of cancer, etc. With rates of obesity on the rise, it is more important than ever to come together to address this epidemic and find effective solutions.”
“Obesity as a disease is influenced by just not one but various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, physical activity andpsychological factors. So, a comprehensive multi modality approach is needed to help in controlling the disease which can lead to more sustainable weight loss and long-term health benefits compared to single interventions. GEM Hospital has launched two important departments Obesity.Cure and Diabetes.Cure where the programs are intended at reversing obesity and diabetes using non-surgical methods like medical therapies, endoscopic therapies, diet, etc.”, Dr.Praveen Raj further added.
