Mumbai: As part of its 180th anniversary celebrations, JJ Hospital in Mumbai is set to inaugurate a special obesity clinic that will function once a week. Following its successful foray into robotic surgery, the hospital is expanding its specialty services to tackle the growing health concern of obesity.
The clinic will provide weekly consultations focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management of obesity. According to hospital officials, obesity has become increasingly prevalent among all age groups and demographics due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits.
The condition is known to trigger various health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, joint disorders, and even certain types of cancer. Excess calcium in the body further exacerbates the risk of additional ailments.
At the obesity clinic, each patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) will be recorded and used to tailor personalized treatment plans. In addition, the clinic will offer nutritional guidance to help patients adopt healthier eating habits. Dr Ajay Bhandarwar, Dean of JJ Hospital, noted that the clinic aims to promote awareness and early intervention.
A 2023 joint survey conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the World Health Organization revealed that 46% of Mumbai’s adult population is overweight. The study, covering individuals aged 18 to 69, showed that nearly half the participants had BMIs exceeding the WHO’s recommended upper limit of 25 kg/m². The number of overweight women was found to be particularly high.
Bariatric Surgeries at JJ Hospital
JJ Hospital has been offering bariatric surgeries for obesity since 2012 and has performed over 200 procedures to date. However, Dr Bhandarwar stated that public awareness remains low, and many patients are deterred by the high cost of surgery, which remains unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.
