‘SHAPE – Obesity Clinic’ launched at Rabindranath Tagore
International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS)
~ Aims to address growing risks of obesity and associated medical complications ~
Kolkata, March 6, 2014: Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RIITCS) today
launched ‘SHAPE - The weight loss clinic’ in the hospital. The clinic will be a one-stop-solution which
aims to address the facts, causes, health risks and the treatment options for Obesity. Some of the
medical complications associated with obesity include diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and arthritis,
which could affect the heart and kidney. In West Bengal nearly 7.1% of the population is obese,
according to National Family Health Survey 2007, which is rapidly increasing in the population here.
Bariatric and metabolic surgeries are forms of treatment that belongs to the advanced healthcare
spectrum, which is available at RTIICS. The clinic will be headed by Dr. S K Dubey, a well experienced
senior specialist in treating obesity and related health issues.
The clinic has an advantage of being integrated with existing super-specialty facilities available at the
hospital. The team comprises of medical experts such as endocrinologists, medical gastroenterologists,
pulmonologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons, and trained nursing
and paramedical staff, along with, fitness counselors and psychologists. Surgical procedures will be
done laparoscopically (minimally invasive technique) and the clinic will play a key role in creating
awareness about obesity and associated medical conditions, with regular interactive sessions planned
between patients and various medical specialties.
Commenting on the launch of the clinic, Mr. R. Venkatesh, Facility Director Rabindranath Tagore
International Institute of Cardiac Sciences (RTIICS) said, “Obesity is the root cause of almost all silent
killer diseases that affect people. The major contributing factor is lack of awareness among them.
Sedentary habits with the intake of junk food trigger the increase in weight. Obesity is the leading cause
for a plethora of morbid diseases. Now, with the launch of this new clinic we encourage people to get
more physically active and aim to cater to the growing obese population in the community. The
recommended age for undergoing a surgical treatment for obesity is 18-65 years.”
Mr. R. Venkatesh further added, “At the SHAPE-OBESITY Clinic, we also have a post-surgery follow-up
protocol in place, which is well-defined. We have a dedicated team of medical experts along with
surgeons such as physiotherapist, nutritionist and others who contribute to treatment process Patients
should adhere to this diligently for the purpose of continuous monitoring for their nutritional, fitness and
psychological needs.”
Studies have shown that irrespective of the factor of obesity, once an individual exceeds a certain
obesity level, it becomes very difficult to reverse the process because of the complications and
restrictions caused by the excess weight. Diet and exercise help in select cases but the effects are
seldom persistent and in most cases there is a necessity to perform bariatric and metabolic surgery.
Dr. S K Dubey, Consultant -General Bariatric surgery, RTIICS, said, “The incidence of obesity in India has
increased multi-fold over the years. Obesity leads to co-morbid diseases and thus it is necessary to treat
obese patients through a sustained weight management programme along with surgical procedures. He
further added, “Through our obesity clinic, we aim to create awareness about various causes, risk factors
and treatment modalities for Obesity.”
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century with morbid obesity affecting 5%
of the country’s population. Numerous factors such as genetic and environmental factors as well as lack
of awareness about nutrition, self confidence and modern lifestyle increase the risk of obesity.
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Bariatric Surgery* Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) includes a variety of procedures performed on people
who are obese. Weight loss is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach with a gastric band or through removal
of a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) or by resecting
and re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch (gastric bypass surgery).
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About Narayana Health:
Narayana Health (formerly Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals) founded by Dr. Devi Shetty has 26 hospitals across 16
cities with total of 6500 beds. The flagship hospital at NH Health City in Bangalore has India’s largest Bone Marrow
Transplant Unit and Dialysis unit with tertiary care expertise in Liver, Kidney and Heart transplants. The Group has
one of the largest tele-medicine networks, and has performed the highest number of heart surgeries in the world.
Narayana Health is transforming healthcare delivery through process innovation.
Note to the Editor:
Narayana Hrudayalaya, the nation’s pre-eminent healthcare provider has now got a new identity – Narayana
Health. From a humble beginning of a 200 beds Cardiac Hospital, we grew into a 6,500 beds multi-specialty
healthcare conglomerate in a span of 13 years, cutting across a variety of specialties, partnerships and
geographies.
The thing about rapid growth is that it is usually accompanied with a host of complications. The primary one was
that of maintaining a distinctive identity. Our brand represents a singularity of purpose and commitment with
Quality, compassion and affordability being hallmarks of our brand promise. The rebranding initiative builds on all
the exceptional work we have done and the accomplishments we have achieved. It focuses and directs our future
efforts into carefully phased, definitive plan that enables us to express ourselves consistently in everything we say
and do.
It is an organizing principle that integrates our legacy, our locations, disciplines, talents and expertise – and the
human mission that binds everyone at NH. Our new tagline – ‘Health for all. All for Health’, nothing less than a
clarion call, captures the essence of our belief in the democratization of healthcare – in India and around the
world.