On India’s 78th Independence Day, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai took a significant step towards building a healthier nation by launching the ‘Freedom from Fat – Comprehensive Obesity Clinic’ under the campaign “Iss Baar Azadi Motape Se.” The initiative aims to give people true freedom — freedom from the health, social, and emotional burden of obesity.
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Obesity Care
As per the press release, the new clinic unites a diverse team of specialists — endocrinologists, hepatologists, gastroenterologists, dietitians, and psychologists — to provide complete medical, nutritional, and emotional care. This integrated approach ensures that every root cause of obesity is addressed under one roof for lasting results.
The expert team includes:
- Dr. Shankar Zanwar – Sr. Consultant Gastroenterologist
- Dr. Chetan Kalal – Associate Director, Hepatologist
- Dr. Sneha Kothari – Sr. Consultant Endocrinologist
- Dr. Aarti Ullal – Consultant Diabetologist
- Dr. Prashanth Rao – Director, Gastrointestinal & Minimal Access Surgery
- Ms. Kavita Adimoolam – Psychologist
- Ms. Zamurrud Patel – Sr. Dietitian
Obesity: A Growing National Health Crisis
India is witnessing a sharp rise in obesity cases. A recent Lancet study warns that by 2050, nearly 450 million (45 crore) Indians could be overweight or obese, making India the second-highest in the world after China.
Doctors at Gleneagles Hospital emphasized that modern sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy food habits, hormonal imbalances, and stress have fuelled this silent epidemic. Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern; it carries a heavy psychological burden, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Why Timely Management Is Critical
“Currently, 8 out of 10 patients visiting our OPD are obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above,” doctors explained. “These patients often complain of tiredness, sleep apnoea, and joint pain. Around 50% of them face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, or even cancer later in life. Timely obesity management is therefore key to successful outcomes.”
The clinic has been designed as a complete, patient-centric program where individuals receive tailored advice and support to shed excess weight and regain good health.
Personalized, Holistic Solutions
The clinic offers comprehensive care by bringing together experts from multiple disciplines:
- Endocrinologists to manage hormonal and metabolic factors
- Hepatologists to treat fatty liver and related disorders
- Gastroenterologists for digestion-related obesity issues
- Dietitians to design personalized nutrition plans
- Psychologists to provide behavioural and emotional support
Independence Day with a New Meaning
Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, said:
“At Gleneagles, we believe true healthcare goes beyond treatment — it begins with awareness, prevention, and empowerment. Our new Obesity Clinic gives people the chance to reclaim their health, their energy, and their confidence. Whether the cause is hormonal, metabolic, digestive, or emotional, we now have the expertise to address it in one place.”
He added, “Launching this clinic on Independence Day is symbolic. It’s time we help citizens gain freedom from obesity and the silent suffering it brings. We invite everyone to take the first step towards a healthier future, free from preventable diseases.”