Mumbai Diabetes Care Foundation Champions Holistic Fight Against Obesity and Diabetes

The Mumbai Diabetes Care Foundation (MDCF) has taken a decisive step in addressing the dual epidemic of obesity and diabetes through a high-impact awareness initiative themed “Step Towards Fighting Obesity and Diabetes.” The event brought together a distinguished panel of medical experts who emphasized the urgent need for prevention, early diagnosis, and a comprehensive lifestyle approach to tackle the growing burden of metabolic disorders in India.

At the heart of the initiative was a collective pledge by doctors—14 commitments aimed at transforming the way obesity and diabetes are understood and managed. These pledges included recognizing obesity as a chronic disease, promoting physical activity, improving liver and oral health, supporting mental well-being, and working toward positioning India as a global leader in metabolic excellence.

A Call for Prevention and Precision

Dr Manoj Chawla, a leading voice in diabetes care, highlighted the unique challenges faced by the Indian population. “We are genetically predisposed to complications such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and fatty liver disease. This makes early intervention and tailored care strategies not just important—but essential,” he stated.

Dr Purvi Chawla added to the conversation by pointing out the limitations of traditional weight-loss approaches. She emphasized the emergence of modern pharmacotherapies like semaglutide, which represent a paradigm shift in metabolic care. “We’re entering an era where science allows us to personalize treatment, improve outcomes, and reduce long-term risks,” she said.

Addressing the Thin-Fat Phenotype

Dr Banshi Saboo, Chair of the International Diabetes Federation South-East Asia (IDF SEA), and Dr Rakesh Parekh, Incoming Secretary General of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), stressed the importance of a multi-pronged, India-specific approach. They drew attention to conditions like Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the thin-fat phenotype—a unique metabolic profile common among South Asians, where individuals may appear lean but carry high visceral fat and metabolic risk.

“India’s metabolic landscape is unlike any other. We need solutions that reflect our genetic, cultural, and dietary realities,” said Dr Saboo. Dr Parekh echoed this sentiment, advocating for integrated care models that combine clinical expertise, community outreach, and digital health tools.

A Coalition of Experts

The event saw participation from over 20 leading clinicians, each contributing their expertise to the shared mission. Among them were:

• Dr Aashna Patil, Dr Alka Gandhi, Dr Alpana Sowani, Dr Deepak Patil, Dr Imran Hafizi, Dr Kinjal Jain, Dr Manas Save, Dr Manish Sachdev, Dr Mikhil Kothari, Dr Nikhil Prabhu, Dr Rahul Baxi, Dr Rajesh Yadav, Dr Ritu Johari, Dr Sheetal Aversekar, Dr Sunil Kamble, Dr Trija Banerjee, Dr Vimal Phuja, Dr Lotika Purohit, and Dr Vishal Vaidya.

Their collective presence underscored the growing consensus within the medical community that obesity and diabetes must be tackled not in isolation, but as part of a broader metabolic health strategy.

The Role of Mental and Oral Health

One of the key themes of the pledges was the integration of mental health and oral health into diabetes care. Clinicians acknowledged that stress, depression, and poor dental hygiene can exacerbate metabolic conditions and hinder treatment adherence. By promoting a more holistic view of health, MDCF aims to empower patients to take charge of their well-being across multiple dimensions.

Vision for Metabolic Excellence

With this initiative, MDCF reaffirmed its commitment to making India a global leader in metabolic excellence. The foundation’s approach combines clinical innovation, public education, and policy advocacy to create sustainable change. By fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers, MDCF is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient India.

Conclusion

The fight against obesity and diabetes is not just a medical challenge—it is a societal imperative. Through its awareness campaign and the pledges taken by leading doctors, the Mumbai Diabetes Care Foundation has sent a clear message: prevention, education, and innovation must go hand in hand. As India grapples with rising rates of metabolic disorders, initiatives like this offer hope, direction, and a blueprint for transformative change.