Eli Lilly and Company (India) has joined forces with Apollo Clinic, Apollo Health and Lifestyle, and Apollo HealthCo. (Apollo 24|7)—all part of the Apollo Group—to raise nationwide awareness about obesity and type 2 diabetes. This collaborative initiative seeks to enhance public understanding of these health conditions and promote effective treatment strategies.
Addressing Obesity as a Chronic Disease
Obesity, widely recognized as a chronic and relapsing disease, significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is also associated with over 200 health complications, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. As of 2023, obesity affects approximately 6.5% of India’s adult population—nearly 100 million people.
Leadership Perspectives on the Urgent Health Challenge
Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager of Eli Lilly India, emphasized the importance of the collaboration. “Through this partnership, we aim to change the way obesity and type 2 diabetes are understood and managed. Together, we want to improve health outcomes and empower people to take charge of their long-term wellness,” he said.
Echoing these concerns, Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, pointed to troubling data from their annual Health of the Nation reports. “Nearly half of women (49%) and more than half of men (55%) under 40 are obese. These numbers spike to 73% of women and 65% of men between the ages of 40 and 55. This steep rise in obesity, compounded by physical inactivity and undiagnosed non-communicable diseases, signals the need for immediate action,” she stated.
Campaign to Involve Over 200 Clinics and 300 Doctors
To combat this growing epidemic, the joint campaign will operate across more than 200 Apollo clinics and engage over 300 medical practitioners. The initiative focuses on health education, timely diagnosis, and tailored interventions to reduce the burden of obesity and diabetes in India.
Empowering Patients Through Education and Access
As reported by Express Healthcare, by promoting awareness and expanding access to appropriate care, this partnership seeks to drive long-term change. It represents a significant step toward reducing the national burden of lifestyle-related diseases and improving health literacy across communities.