World Obesity Day: count of fat people rises to an alarming level in Pakistan

Observing the World Obesity Day 2026 in Pakistan on Wednesday, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik noted that nearly 38 million Pakistanis – approximately one in three adult people – were living with obesity, terming the situation alarming.

He emphasised that obesity was a major modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers, placing growing pressure on the country’s health system.

“Obesity cost Pakistan an estimated $3.41 billion in 2019, warning that the economic burden will rise significantly without sustained intervention,” Dr Malik said.

Addressing participants at the event organised by the ministry in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, according to a ministry (MONHSRC) statement, the minister gave a call for an “urgent need for coordinated national action against obesity in Pakistan”.

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Stressing prevention, he underscored the need to improve lifestyles, promote balanced diets, discourage excessive fast-food consumption, and increase physical activity.

Malik reiterated that obesity prevention had been integrated into national health planning, including under the Prime Minister’s Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus (2024–2029), aimed at addressing the obesity – diabetes continuum through awareness, behaviour change, and early screening.

He observed that women and urban populations were disproportionately affected, while childhood obesity was steadily increasing.

Secretary MONHSRC, Hamed Yaqoob, stated that obesity was a complex, chronic disease influenced by biological, environmental, and social factors, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to improving understanding, reducing stigma, and expanding access to person-centred care.

Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, Maja Mortensen, welcomed the constructive dialogue and emphasised that partnerships promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation were essential for sustainable, evidence-based health solutions.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthen prevention strategies, enhance policy measures, and foster multi-sectoral collaboration to combat obesity and safeguard public health in Pakistan.