Avoid anti-obesity drugs, rapid weight loss is the apex health body’s warning in a country besieged by obesity
Crash diets and rapid weight loss may lead to problems stemming from loss of crucial minerals in the weight loss diet or a diet that is too calorie poor to meet basic physical requirements. This is what the Indian Council of Medical Research says in its recently released dietary guidelines for Indians. It has also given thumbs down to weight loss drugs that have just started becoming popular in the market.
“Regular physical activity and yoga are crucial to maintain good health and weight. Weight reduction should be gradual. Weight reduction diets should not be less than 1000 Kcal/day and should provide all nutrients. A reduction of half a kilogram body weight per week is considered to be safe. Approaches of rapid weight loss and use of anti-obesity drugs should be avoided,” the guidelines read.
India has a very serious obesity problem. A The Lancet Study earlier this year found that 9.8% women and 5.4% men are battling obesity. In absolute numbers that is 44 million women and 26 million men aged above 20 years. These numbers have gone up significantly since 1990. For Asians a BMI of 27.5 Kg/metres square is considered obese – this is lower than international norms as Asians have a higher percentage of body fat. Over 12% urban and 5% rural adults are estimates to be obese. ICMR also estimates that over 31% urban and 16% rural adults are overweight that is they have a BMI of 23 to 27.5 Kg/m square.
Interestingly in a document where the dietary recommendations focus largely on vegetarian food groups such as leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes and cereals, ICMR has highlighted the importance proteins in an energy deficient weight loss diet. ‘Consuming higher amounts of protein (15% energy from protein) may be important during typical energy- deficient weight loss diets (i.e., 500–750 Kcal/day deficit) to preserves muscle mass. Nevertheless, the protective effect of higher-protein diets on muscle mass is compromised if the energy deficit is more than 40% of daily energy needs, and the dietary proteins are oxidized for energy production. Hence, it is advisable not to go beyond 40% energy deficit of daily energy needs to support muscle mass maintenance and protein balance,” read the guidelines.
