Anti-Obesity Day is observed on 26th of November in various parts of the world. India is one of the top ten obese countries in the world, with approximately 5% of the population being classified as morbidly obese. The levels of obesity are on the rise, given India’s economic development, rising incomes of the middle class and increased availability of highly processed junk food. In order to raise awareness and to attempt to tackle this grave issue,
Johnson & Johnson in association with the
Jayashree Todkar Foundation organized an anti-obesity walk at
Symbiosis Center for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) in collaboration with Samatva, the institute social responsibility cell of SCMHRD.
The event started at 6:30 in the morning of 26th November at the multi-sports arena of SCMHRD. Despite the frigid atmosphere, volunteers came in large numbers to support the cause. A total of 91 volunteers were registered. The guests of honour were Dr. Jayashree Todkar, a bariatric surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Preeti Tyagi, a general physician and Ms. Kanika Bhandari, Regional Accountant Manager at Johnson & Johnson. The guests arrived along with their associates at 6:45 and were received by Ms. Dipasha Sharma, faculty in-charge of Samatva and Mr. Rajagopal. The guests addressed the volunteers on various facts related to obesity levels in India and different ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. At 7:20, Dr. Jayashree Todkar inaugurated the walk by cutting the ribbon and the walk commenced.
The purpose of the walk was to spread awareness amongst the students as well as the pedestrians about the rising levels of obesity in India and the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.
The whole circuit was 3.3 kilometers long that went through the scenic area of Blue Ridge. Volunteers enjoyed the fresh air and the natural beauty that the circuit presented early in the morning. It was a pleasant experience for them as well as the faculty and the guests.
Soon after that, the volunteers calculated their Body Mass Index (BMI) on the BMI machine that was brought by the guests. Dr. Jayashree Todkar then explained the interpretation of these results and asked the volunteers to pledge to lead a healthy life. Volunteers learned a lot of new things about obesity and how to keep that in check. The guests were then felicitated with a sapling and a memento by Ms. Dipasha Sharma. The event concluded post the felicitation, with the volunteers feeling fresh and motivated to lead a healthy lifestyle.