VLCC makes Slim-Fit reality

The drive aims to create increased awareness on obesity, encouraging people to lose the fat and cultivate healthy lifestyle habits.

The twelfth year in running, VLCC's Anti-Obesity Drive has grown increasingly popular over the years.

Promoting the anti-obesity mantra, VLCC has designated November 26 as the Anti-Obesity Day - which is observed in all 10 countries where VLCC operates.

Commenting on the Anti-Obesity Drive, Ms. Vandana Luthra, Founder and Mentor, VLCC, said, "Obesity is a major healthcare challenge. The rise of obesity among both adults and children alarms you into action to tackle this issue head-on, and fast. The Anti-Obesity Drive has been VLCC's committed crusade against obesity over the last twelve years. Each year, the campaign has received overwhelming response from people who have shed kilos with us and gotten on the path of a healthier lifestyle. We urge people to benefit from our offers through this month and kill obesity in the bud."

VLCC is carrying out a series of initiatives during the course of the campaign, which will run until December 14, 2012. Aiming to reach out to the community directly, the campaign will include public awareness activities such as health camps, workshops, mass counseling and talk shows at malls, corporate houses, social networking sites and public forums. Informative material on obesity and living healthy tips will be distributed across the GCC.

The World Health Organization's latest statistics show that at least one in three of the world's adult population is overweight and almost one in 10 is obese. Further, over 20 million children under age five who are overweight.

The Anti-Obesity Drive focuses on creating awareness amongst the general public on developing healthy habits for an active lifestyle through dietary recommendations, activities and simple lifestyle tips.

"This campaign is very close to our hearts. We have seen many success stories over the years to know and believe in its strength. At VLCC, our weight-loss programmes are designed to suit individual levels of tolerance and ability. We work very closely with each individual to face this challenge with us, where we can work towards a healthy goal together," Ms. Luthra added.

Some of the health problems associated with obesity include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, back and joint pain, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, gallstones, fatty liver, infertility, breathlessness, depression, snoring, difficulty in sleeping and excessive sweating.

The cascading effect is also devastating. Nine out of 10 cases of obesity develop into diabetic cases. Children, who incidentally are even more vulnerable, primarily because of the likelihood of growing up to become obese adults, are likely to suffer from heat intolerance, breathlessness on exertion, tiredness and flat feet.