Over 10 Crore Pakistanis Overweight, Experts Warn of Health Emergency

Rising Obesity Levels in Pakistan

Over 10 crore adults in Pakistan are now overweight or obese. This means nearly three out of four citizens face weight-related health risks. Experts at a high-level conference in Karachi warned that the situation is becoming a national health emergency.

Obesity and Related Diseases

Specialists explained that obesity leads to diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and even cancers. If not addressed, these conditions could overwhelm the country’s healthcare system.

Prof. Waseem Hanif, Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology at the University of Birmingham, described obesity as “a normal response to an abnormal environment.”

Global and Regional Risks

Worldwide, 2.5 billion adults are overweight and one billion are obese. South Asians, however, face higher risks at lower body weights. For this group, experts recommend an ideal BMI of around 23.

Obesity is more than excess weight. It shortens lifespan, reduces quality of life, and increases sleep disorders.

New Treatment Options

Prof. Hanif highlighted tirzepatide, a breakthrough treatment that can reduce weight by up to 25 percent. Still, he stressed that lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise are equally important.

The event also marked the launch of Pakistan’s first generic tirzepatide by Getz Pharma.

NCDs on the Rise

Dr. Riasat Ali Khan, President of the Primary Care Diabetes Association of Pakistan, said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing at an alarming rate. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are fueling more heart attacks and kidney failures.

“Obesity is the mother of all sins. Controlling it can help prevent most diseases in our population,” he said.

Benefits of Tirzepatide

Dr. Riasat explained that tirzepatide is not just for weight loss. It can also lower HbA1c by up to 2.5 percent, helping to manage diabetes and reduce complications linked to heart disease and hypertension.

Getz Pharma’s Commitment

Dr. Khurram Hussain, Managing Director of Getz Pharma, said the company is focused on providing affordable, evidence-based obesity treatments in Pakistan. He noted that GLP-1 and GIP therapy support weight reduction and lower risks of cardiovascular disease.

“For more than 17 years, Getz Pharma has delivered innovative biologics to patients in Pakistan,” he added.

PAK-SEHAT Study Findings

Dr. Khurram Nasir, Chief of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention & Wellness at Houston Methodist, shared alarming data. Only one in five adults in Pakistan is within a normal BMI range. Nearly three out of four are obese, making obesity the top risk factor for hypertension and heart disease.

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