KARACHI: Describing obesity as a major disease that has affected a large Pakistani population in recent years, leading gastroenterologists and liver specialists have warned that excess body weight is now the leading cause of fatty liver disease and liver failure, and contributing to an alarming rise in colorectal cancer cases in relatively young population in the country.
They emphasised the need for adopting healthy eating habits and becoming physically active to avoid premature deaths and costly medical interventions.
They were speaking at the 7th annual conference of the Pakistan GI and Liver Disease Society (PGLDS), which concluded at the Liaquat National Hospital on Saturday.
The two-day conference brought together local and international experts.
Dr Lubna Kamani, President of PGLDS, stressed that obesity is deeply intertwined with fatty liver disease and a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
“While we now have new medications available for obesity and fatty liver, prevention is still the best strategy. We must eat less, be healthy and stay physically active,” she said, while also pointing to a sharp increase in colorectal cancer among young adults, which she linked to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles.
“We need to immediately launch a national colorectal screening programme in Pakistan before this silent threat claims more lives.”
In his remarks, Sindh health secretary, and the chief guest, Rehan Iqbal Baloch acknowledged the serious challenges patients face in accessing GI and liver care.
“The health department is committed to expanding endoscopy suites and improving treatment facilities across the province. We need more experts to continue guiding us in this journey,” he said, offering full support to PGLDS in its efforts.
Dr Shahid Ahmed, Patron and Chief PGLDS, recalled the formation of the society, saying that the platform was established nearly eight years ago to train young gastroenterologists and promote education in this critical specialty.
“What started as a small initiative has become an effective institution today. Experts from Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, South Korea, and South Africa have joined us for this conference despite unrest around the world,” he said.
Medical Director of Liaquat National Hospital Dr Salman Faridi lauded the society’s efforts in improving medical education and patient care, calling it a vital platform for sharing clinical experience and advancing gastroenterology in Pakistan.
Dr Sajjad Jamil, General Secretary of PGLDS, termed the event a “celebration of knowledge and progress,” while Dr Nazish Butt praised the participation of female gastroenterologists, calling it a step forward for gender inclusivity in the field.
She also highlighted a disturbing rise in colorectal cancer cases, particularly among young people, warning that late diagnosis and lack of a national screening programme are putting thousands of lives at risk.
International delegates attending the conference included Prof Arif Mansur Cosar from Turkey, Prof Eun Young Kim from South Korea, and Prof Mashiko Setshedi from South Africa, Prof Olga from Russia.
The PGLDS also unveiled Pakistan’s first Atlas of Endoscopy and Liver Diseases, a comprehensive guide aimed at standardising clinical practice across Pakistan and providing advanced diagnostic references to healthcare professionals.
During the two-day conference, scientific sessions were held covering drug therapies for fatty liver, new strategies for colorectal screening, endoscopic management of GI bleeding, and the impact of gut microbiota on liver health, among other key topics.
Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2025