Srinagar, Sept. 11 -- Overweight and obesity have emerged as two of the most pressing health challenges of the modern world, posing significant threats to individual well-being and public health systems alike. These conditions are no longer limited to affluent societies but have become global epidemics, cutting across geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic boundaries. Obesity is associated with a wide range of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, degenerative joint disorders, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Beyond the clinical complications, obesity also inflicts psychological and social burdens, as individuals often face stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.

Traditionally, obesity was...