Islamabad : Obesity is silently crippling Pakistan by making its people sicker and its workforce weaker, costing the nation over Rs950 billion annually — an economic burden expected to double by 2030 if urgent steps are not taken, health experts warned on Saturday, citing data from the World Obesity Federation.
Speaking at an awareness session at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad, organized with local pharmaceutical firm Getz Pharma, senior endocrinologists and public health specialists called obesity a national emergency. They warned the economic impact could rise to $7.6 billion — or over Rs2.13 trillion — within five years due to mounting healthcare costs, lost productivity, and premature deaths.
They said obesity was no longer just a health concern but a serious economic threat, driven by poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and the unchecked spread of non-communicable diseases.
A growing number of Pakistanis now need treatment for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver, and kidney failure — all linked to excessive weight and unhealthy habits, they added.
On the occasion, a screening camp at the NPC was also arranged where around 150 members and their families were examined. Results showed over 70 percent were overweight or obese, and nearly 25 percent had elevated blood pressure or diabetes. Experts said this small sample reflected a wider crisis and called for immediate action.
Prof. Rauf Niazi, a renowned endocrinologist, said 70 to 80 percent of Pakistan’s population — including children — are now either overweight or obese. He blamed excessive intake of carbs, junk food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks, coupled with physical inactivity. “Obesity is not only making men impotent and women infertile, often due to PCOS, but it also causes early diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, and kidney damage,” he said.
He also warned that over 85 percent of Pakistanis may be suffering from fatty liver disease — a silent condition that disrupts cholesterol metabolism and increases cardiovascular risks.
“Most don’t even know they have it until it’s too late,” he said, urging people to follow the active, moderate lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “The Prophet Peace Be Upon Him had a flat belly, ate less, walked regularly and exercised. That’s the example we must follow.”
Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan, Chief of Communicable Disease Control at the National Institute of Health (NIH), said the screening showed most participants were biologically at least 10 years older than their actual age.
“We’re aging prematurely. Our diet and inactive routines are pushing us into chronic illness too early,” he said. As a pediatrician, he expressed concern over rising childhood obesity due to screen addiction, junk food, and lack of exercise. “Parents wrongly assume chubby kids are healthy, which is dangerous.”
Dr. Muhammad Ali Arif, endocrinologist at PIMS Islamabad, called for policy action. “White sugar, bakery items, ultra-processed food, and sugary drinks must be taxed like tobacco. These are luxuries, not essentials, and they are poisoning our people,” he said.
Labelling obesity as a disease, he stressed the need for behavioural counselling, national awareness campaigns, and support systems. “Cut your food intake by 25 to 30 percent, walk more, avoid sugary drinks, and eat slowly. Small steps can save lives,” he advised.
For severely obese individuals, experts recommended new anti-obesity drugs like GLP-1 agonists, now available in Pakistan, to be used under medical supervision. These treatments can reduce body weight by up to 15 percent and significantly improve health outcomes.
Kashif Amin, Director Public Health at Getz Pharma, said the company was committed to preventive healthcare and public well-being.
NPC President Azhar Jatoi thanked the visiting health professionals and appreciated Getz Pharma’s initiative to provide free screening and raise awareness among journalists and their families.