Latest news with #PhysiciansCommitteeforResponsibleMedicine
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Structured online nutrition plan could offer hope in tackling India's diabetes crisis: Study
A structured, physician-led online nutrition programme may hold the key to combating India's escalating diabetes crisis, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. The research, led by Indian-origin physician Dr. Vanita Rahman of the U.S.-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), underscores the potential of plant-based diets in improving health outcomes for diabetes patients, particularly in India's healthcare landscape. The 12-week study enrolled 76 adults with type 2 diabetes, out of which 58 completed the programme. Participants followed a plant-based nutrition regimen guided by medical professionals. The results were promising: 22% of participants reduced their diabetes medication dosages, average weight loss was recorded at 3.7 kilograms, and HbA1C levels—a key indicator of long-term blood sugar control—dropped by 0.6%. Moreover, for participants who were not on cholesterol-lowering medication, total cholesterol levels decreased by 15 mg/dL, and LDL (bad cholesterol) dropped by 12 mg/dL. These changes not only signify improved metabolic health but also highlight the effectiveness of dietary intervention in managing chronic conditions. India currently has over 101 million adults living with diabetes, with an additional 136 million in the prediabetic stage, making accessible and scalable solutions critical. 'India's diabetes crisis requires solutions that work within our healthcare realities,' said Dr. Rahman. 'While we've long known dietary changes can manage diabetes, implementing them has been difficult due to limited consultation time, poor follow-up, and access issues—especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.' The study aims to address these gaps by offering a structured programme that can be accessed remotely, eliminating geographical and logistical barriers. It provided participants not only with nutritional guidance but also with continuous support and practical strategies for real-world application. Dr. Rahman emphasized that this approach is particularly suitable for the Indian context. 'These results are especially relevant in India, where vegetarian and plant-forward diets are already part of the culture. With simple changes—such as reducing fat intake and emphasizing whole foods—this programme can be seamlessly integrated into Indian households,' she noted. The findings suggest that with the right support and structure, a shift toward plant-based nutrition can be a practical, low-cost, and impactful solution to India's growing diabetes epidemic.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor warns you might regain weight after Ozempic unless you do this
GLP-1 agonists such as tirzepatide and semaglutide have captured public attention for their ability to induce rapid weight loss. Studies suggest these drugs can reduce body weight by up to 22.5% over 72 weeks hence, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and side effects that may emerge with extended use. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Zeeshan Ali, MD, PhD, Nutrition Expert and Research Program Specialist at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), shared, 'Gastrointestinal side effects—such as nausea, constipation and abdominal pain—are commonly reported. There is also emerging research indicating potential risks, including gallbladder issues and vision loss which warrants further investigation.' Emerging data also suggests the need for closer examination of the neuropsychiatric effects of GLP-1 agonists. Dr Zeeshan Ali said, 'Some early findings have raised questions about potential links to mood changes, including anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviour—particularly in individuals with a predisposition to mental health conditions or addiction. However, more rigorous clinical data is needed.' Studies show that without sustained lifestyle changes, many individuals regain the lost weight once the medication is stopped. Dr Zeeshan Ali explained, 'This is because these drugs primarily work by suppressing appetite and do not address underlying contributors to obesity, such as insulin resistance, consumption of calorie-dense foods, emotional eating and low physical activity.' He added, 'Financial accessibility remains another major limitation. In India, the monthly cost of these drugs ranges between ₹14,000 and ₹17,000, putting them out of reach for a vast majority of the population.' The good news is that for many individuals, long-term success with weight management can be achieved through dietary and lifestyle changes. Dr Zeeshan Ali elaborated, 'A whole-food, plant-based diet—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients—has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health and support sustainable weight loss. For instance, the BROAD study found that participants following a low-fat, plant-based diet lost an average of 12 kg in six months and maintained it at 12 months—without the need for medication or calorie counting.' For Delhi residents, Dr Zeeshan Ali recommended, 'Simple shifts such as returning to home-cooked meals based on legumes like rajma and chana, whole grains such as millets and brown rice, seasonal vegetables, and fruits can make a meaningful difference. Choosing roasted chana over fried snacks, or replacing ghee-laden parathas with lightly stuffed rotis, can improve nutritional quality of the meal without sacrificing familiarity.' While weight-loss medications may provide a short-term solution, long-lasting transformation often comes from sustainable lifestyle and dietary interventions. These changes not only support healthy weight management but also improve cardiovascular function, enhance gut health, stabilise energy levels and contribute to overall well-being. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
India Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Plant-based diets can help Indians fight fatty liver, diabetes epidemic
India is witnessing a concerning surge in two chronic health conditions: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), earlier known as fatty liver, and type 2 now affects nearly 27.4% of the population, while over 77 million Indians are living with have said the combination of both diseases is dangerous, as it raises the risk of serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, liver cancer, and To tackle this growing health crisis, a panel of global and Indian health experts has released new clinical guidelines focused on how Asian Indian patients can manage both diabetes and fatty liver more guidelines, published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, place a strong emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes, especially moving towards a plant-based INDIANS SHOULD RETHINK SATURATED FATSThe guidelines advise cutting back on saturated fats like ghee, butter, and coconut oil, foods that are often wrongly believed to be healthy. Experts explained that consuming too much of these fats can lead to increased liver fat, chronic inflammation, and higher risk of metabolic diseases."Insulin resistance, being overweight, and obesity are the main reasons behind both diabetes and fatty liver,' said Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).advertisementHOW PLANT-BASED DIETS CAN HELPResearch shows that a whole-food, plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and seeds, can significantly improve blood sugar levels and reduce liver fat. According to studies, people following such diets have seen a 30% drop in liver fat within just weeks, and many were even able to lower their diabetes one randomised study mentioned in the guidelines, 43% of people following a low-fat, plant-based diet were able to reduce their diabetes medications. In contrast, only 26% in the conventional diet group achieved the same result.'Plant-based diets target the root causes of diabetes, excess fat inside cells, insulin resistance, and inflammation," Dr. Ali said. "They not only support blood glucose control but also improve liver health and overall metabolic balance."WHAT THE GUIDELINES RECOMMENDEat more plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, nuts, and seedsFocus on complex carbohydrates like millets, oats, and brown riceAvoid saturated fats like ghee, butter, coconut oilSay no to alcohol, which worsens liver healthGet regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivityMaintain a healthy body weightFor millions of Indians living with diabetes and liver disease, switching to a more plant-based, low-fat diet may offer a simple and powerful way to improve their health, without depending entirely on new guidelines provide both doctors and patients with a clear, evidence-based roadmap to manage these diseases better, starting with what's on their plate.
