Obesity, a food for thought for armed forces

PUNE: Indian armed forces, which face a significant shortfall in trained personnel, may have to pay a heavy price unless it wins the war on fat.
Obesity was one of the problems discussed at the silver jubilee celebrations of the naval hospital, INHS Kasturi, at INS Shivaji, Lonavala.
"Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the country," reported surgeon-captain YD Singh, who is working on obesity at INHS Ashwini.
Obesity may soon claim as many deaths as smoking," pointed out Singh at the two-day seminar.
He blamed it on changing life-styles. People need to become accustomed to eating fruits and vegetables rather than fast foods, he added.
"This also shows that the Armed Forces are not immune from obesity sweeping the country. It''s time we recognise obesity as a chronic disease and start effective treatment," he said.
Earlier, surgeon-vice-admiral VK Singh, Director-General, Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), inaugurated the symposium.
Also present was Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Lieutenant General Punita Arora.