8 Billions of Reasons to Act: Kazakhstan in the Global Fight Against Obesity
On March 4 in Almaty, as part of World Obesity Day, a press conference and expert roundtable titled “8 Billion Reasons to Act: Kazakhstan in the Global Fight Against Obesity” was held. The event brought together leading experts of Kazakhstan in the fields of endocrinology, cardiology, neurology, and reproductive medicine, as well as representatives of the medical community and the media.
The main topic of the meeting was the growing prevalence of obesity and its impact on the development of the most dangerous chronic diseases.
According to specialists, overweight and obesity are currently among the key threats to public health. They significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cognitive impairment.
Endocrinologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, President of the Public Foundation “Kazakhstan Society for the Study of Diabetes” Akanov Zhanay Akanovich noted that obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to him, early diagnosis of metabolic disorders and timely preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
Chief Freelance Neurologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Nervous Diseases of KazNMU named after S.D. Asfendiyarov Turuspekova Saule Tleubergenovna spoke about the impact of metabolic disorders on nervous system health. According to her, obesity significantly increases the risk of stroke and cognitive disorders, becoming one of the causes of early disability in the population.
Cardiologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine of KazNMU named after S.D. Asfendiyarov, Chief Freelance Therapist of Almaty Kapsultanova Dina Amangeldinovna emphasized that obesity is directly associated with the rise in cardiovascular diseases — the leading cause of mortality in the country.
The impact of obesity on reproductive health was addressed by the Director of Dr. Ainaev’s Clinic, urologist-andrologist, PhD Ainaev Ernur Isabekovich. He noted that metabolic disorders can significantly reduce male fertility.
A separate part of the discussion was devoted to modern approaches to obesity therapy and the role of comprehensive patient support. Director of the Representative Office of GEROPHARM in Kazakhstan Lyudmila Voronova spoke about international experience and systemic initiatives in this field.
During the press conference, experts emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach to combating obesity, including prevention, early diagnosis, raising public awareness, and the implementation of modern medical technologies.
The participants noted that combining the efforts of physicians of various specialties, the healthcare system, and society is a key condition for effectively counteracting one of the major medical challenges of the 21st century.
