KARACHI, Nov 5: Obesity is a growing problem worldwide. In the world there are more than two million people who are obese, according to the WHO. In Pakistan too there are hundreds of thousands of obese people.

Obesity increases the chances of diabetes and high levels of blood pressure, several research studies have shown. The obese people are predisposed to Coronary Heart Disease, Dislipidemia, and Cardiomyopathies, etc.

In obesity, says the WHO, the chances of death increase considerably due to the cited factors. To reduce the chances of death, and also to improve the quality of life, an obese

person should reduce the intake of calories and also exercise regularly, studies have revealed.

According to a well-known physician, Dr S.M. Afaq, regular fasting in Ramazan can act as a bulwark against obesity. He says during Ramazan when the Faithful fast they reduce the intake of calories and when they offer prayers they indulge in a healthy physical activity.

He says the combined effect of ‘extra’ physical activity and low intake of calories is that the cholesterol and lipids levels drops rapidly in a body. “This is good not just for the obese people but for almost every human being,” he said.

Dr Afaq was of the view that by limiting the intake to 1,000 calories per day a person can easily shed between 2 and 5kg of weight. “This is a godsend, literally.”

He said every person who wants to maximize the benefits of Ramazan should ensure that he does not overeat at Iftar and Sehri. “This is absolutely vital because you can wash away all the benefits by overeating before or after fasting hours.”

Meanwhile, fasting can also help reduce the blood sugar in diabetics.