Pakistan’s Health Crisis: Obesity and Diabetes Intertwined

Pakistan is grappling with one of the highest diabetes rates in the world, with more than 34 million adults living with the disease as of 2024. Health experts warn that obesity, a major driver of type 2 diabetes, remains dangerously overlooked.

At a World Diabetes Day event, Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy Islamabad, highlighted that Pakistan has the lowest glycemic control globally. Alarmingly, one in four people are unaware they have diabetes, while many others lack knowledge about managing the condition.

The country faces a double burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. A national policy brief led by Aga Khan University revealed that NCDs account for 58% of annual deaths, with mortality from diabetes steadily rising.

Experts stress that obesity is not simply a lifestyle failure but a chronic disease. Dr. Waseem Hanif of the University of Birmingham noted that over 100 million Pakistanis are obese, describing obesity as “a normal response to an abnormal environment” shaped by processed foods, inactivity, and urban stress.

Global medical consensus now recognizes obesity as a chronic metabolic condition influenced by genetics, environment, and physiology. Pharmaceutical leaders like Novo Nordisk emphasize that losing weight is not just about eating less and moving more—it requires structured medical support and interventions.

Despite the scale of the crisis, political action remains limited. Pakistan has yet to implement key “best buy” interventions recommended for tackling NCDs. Routine screening and structured weight management programs are sparse, leaving millions untreated until complications such as cardiovascular disease or kidney failure emerge.

Health experts argue that modest weight loss of up to 10% can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. Programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program have shown a 58% reduction in diabetes onset, outperforming early medications. Bariatric surgery has also reversed type 2 diabetes in many patients, underscoring the link between gut hormones and fat levels.

New therapies, particularly GLP-1–based drugs, are redefining obesity and diabetes management. These treatments mimic natural gut hormones to regulate appetite and blood sugar, helping patients achieve both weight loss and improved glucose control. Research from Aga Khan University found that semaglutide was effective in reducing body weight among Pakistani patients with type 2 diabetes, with high tolerability and satisfaction.

Pakistan’s diabetes epidemic is inseparable from its obesity crisis. Without urgent lifestyle interventions, medical innovation, and strong policy action, the country risks an escalating health burden that will strain families and the healthcare system alike.