The state’s lawmakers and bureaucrats have been provided a common New Year’s resolution — get fitter like the CM, who lost 18 kg in three months earlier this year.
The focus on health was prompted by the worrying results of medical check-ups of 55 MLAs and over 450 bureaucrats and other government staff during the state legislature’s winter session in Nagpur recently. The tests revealed high rate of obesity and weight-related complications. Fifty-three of the 55 legislators, and over 170 babus were found to be obese.
CM Devendra Fadnavis organised the check-ups at the Nagpur Vidhan Bhavanwith the help of Pune-based bariatric surgeon Jayashree Todkar, who has been guiding him in his personal fight against flab.In just a year, Fadnavis has shed 26 kilos and he is determined to help others.
Those whose health is in the red will meet the doctor again to decide the treatment, said Girish Mahajan, minister for medical education. “If the state has to fight obesity , we should start from the government. We are also conducting awareness campaigns at government colleges,” he said.Pravin Pote, minister for industries, said most politicians faced weight problems due to their exhausting routine.
“When the CM started the treatment, he weighed 122kg.However, he followed a disciplined routine and now has to lose only 8 to 10kg,” said Todkar, whose foundation has joined the government’s drive against obesity . “Of the 512 people screened, 173 were obese (BMI over 30), and 151 overweight (BMI 25-30),” Todkar said.”Of 100 people who came for sugar check-up, 22 had sugar higher than 150.”