With over 100 million adults — more than three-quarters of the population — now classified as overweight or obese, Pakistan is facing a significant health crisis, as warned by national and international health experts during a high-level meeting in Karachi.
They indicated that obesity is the primary cause of diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, cancers, and kidney failure, and if not addressed promptly, it will severely impact the country’s healthcare system.
At the event, Prof. Waseem Hanif, a Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology at the University of Birmingham, characterized obesity as “a normal reaction to an abnormal environment.”
He noted that nearly 2.5 billion individuals over the age of 18 globally are overweight, with one billion classified as obese, highlighting that South Asians are at an even greater risk at lower body weights.
“The ideal BMI is between 18 and 25, but for South Asians, it should be approximately 23. Obesity is a chronic illness that can lead to premature death, causes complications like sleep apnea, and diminishes quality of life. In Pakistan, more than 100 million individuals are obese. A groundbreaking new treatment like tirzepatide offers a significant opportunity — capable of facilitating weight loss of up to 25 percent — but it must be complemented by a balanced diet and consistent exercise. Obesity is a disease, and its primary symptom is hunger,” he stressed.
The meeting was convened to celebrate the launch of Pakistan’s first generic tirzepatide by Getz Pharma. This medication has emerged as one of the most promising advancements in the treatment of obesity and diabetes globally, demonstrating impressive outcomes in both clinical trials and practical applications.
Dr. Riasat Ali Khan, President of the Primary Care Diabetes Association of Pakistan, remarked that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are escalating at a concerning rate in Pakistan, resulting in increased instances of heart attacks, kidney failure, and other severe complications. “Obesity is the root cause of many health issues — managing it can aid in the prevention and treatment of most significant diseases affecting our population,” he emphasized.
He pointed out that obesity is at the core of Pakistan’s escalating health crisis. By tackling obesity through lifestyle changes and medical treatments, the chances of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension can be significantly diminished. “If we manage to control obesity, we can greatly alleviate the burden of these diseases that are debilitating our society and healthcare system,” he remarked.
In discussing new therapies, Dr. Riasat emphasized the promise of tirzepatide, an innovative biological treatment. “Tirzepatide is not only effective in managing blood sugar — lowering HbA1c by as much as 2.5 percent — but it can also lead to an impressive weight loss of up to 25 percent. This, in turn, helps prevent complications associated with diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, offering patients the opportunity to lead healthier and longer lives,” he added.
Dr. Khurram Hussain, Managing Director of Getz Pharma, stated that the company is dedicated to delivering affordable, evidence-based solutions for obesity and its related issues. “With GLP-1 and GIP therapy, we strive to facilitate effective weight loss and mitigate the risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For over 17 years, Getz Pharma has been at the forefront of making life-saving biologics available in Pakistan, from insulin to interferons, and we continue to be committed to promoting innovative, cost-effective treatments for weight management.”
Presenting data from the PAK-SEHAT study, Dr. Khurram Nasir, Co-Primary Investigator and Chief of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention & Wellness at Houston Methodist, expressed concern over the findings. “Only one in five adults in Pakistan falls within a normal BMI range. Almost three out of four individuals are classified as obese, making obesity the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease and hypertension. These findings were recently shared at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology in Boston,” he remarked.
A significant number of endocrinologists, medical specialists, pulmonologists, general practitioners, and gastroenterologists attended the event, expressing their enthusiasm for the introduction of a new anti-diabetic and anti-obesity treatment in Pakistan.
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