Addressing leading experts including Dr Kyoung Kon Kim, Dr Volkan Yumuk, Dr Mahendra Narwaria and others, Dr Singh highlighted obesity as a complex, chronic disorder with social, cultural, and environmental roots. He pointed out that non-communicable diseases, many of which are linked to obesity, account for 63% of deaths in India. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers are closely associated with central obesity, which is particularly prevalent among Indians.
National Health Initiatives and Leadership
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on lifestyle and diet, Dr Singh said initiatives like FIT India and Khelo India highlight the national priority of preventive health. He stressed that public awareness must extend beyond experts and conferences to educate the general population, especially the youth, on sustainable lifestyle changes.
Countering Misinformation and Commercialization
Dr Singh warned against unscientific claims and commercialization in the obesity sector, emphasizing that formal drug approvals do not always guarantee safety or effectiveness in real-world practice. Highlighting past experiences with refined oils, he called for responsible use of media and digital platforms to combat myths and misinformation.
AIAARO Obesity Registry Launch
During the conference, Dr Singh launched the AIAARO Obesity Registry, aiming to strengthen India’s obesity research ecosystem through systematic data collection, evidence-based insights, and long-term policy support.
AOCO 2025: Promoting Global Collaboration
The Asia Oceania Conference on Obesity (AOCO) 2025, organised by the All-India Association for Advancing Research in Obesity (AIAARO) with support from AOASO, IAEPEN India, and OSSI, brought together national and international experts to discuss evidence-based management, research collaboration, and coordinated societal action to combat obesity.