ISLAMABAD, Mar 04 (APP):Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik called for urgent and coordinated national action to tackle the growing obesity crisis, posing serious health and economic challenges for the country.
He made these remarks, while chairing a joint event as Chief Guest on World Obesity Day 2026, organized by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MONHSRC) in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, to highlight the urgent need for coordinated national action against obesity in Pakistan.
Addressing participants, the Minister noted that nearly 38 million Pakistanis, approximately one in three individuals, are living with obesity, terming the situation alarming. He observed that women and urban populations are disproportionately affected, while childhood obesity is steadily increasing.
Dr. Malik emphasized that obesity is 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.
Stressing prevention, he underscored the need to improve lifestyles, promote balanced diets, discourage excessive fast food consumption, and increase physical activity.
He reiterated that obesity prevention has 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.
Secretary MONHSRC, Hamed Yaqoob, stated that obesity is 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, H.E. Maja Mortensen, welcomed the constructive dialogue and emphasized that partnerships promoting knowledge-sharing and innovation are 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.