Date Archives January 2025

THE WEIGHT YOU DON’T SEE

Bariatric Surgery Blog Weight Beyond Weight Weight loss surgery

Nineteen dietitians! That’s how many my patient had consulted before she walked into my clinic today for a consultation for #weightloss. She had tried everything—calorie counting, portion control, intermittent fasting, medical diets, naturopathy, —only to be met with the same assumptions: She must be eating too much. She must not be trying hard enough. It must be her fault.

“On one single day, eight different people commented on her weight. That night, she couldn’t sleep. Not because of hunger or discomfort, but because their words replayed over and over in her mind, louder than any diagnosis she had ever received.”

As a doctor, I see this all too often. People think that obesity is all about #gluttony and #sloth. Unfortunately, society has reduced obesity to an oversimplified equation: Eat less, move more. But if it were that easy, wouldn’t obesity have disappeared from our world by now?

The reality is far more complex. Obesity is a chronic, progressive condition influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, medications, gut microbiota, mental health, and more. Stress, sleep deprivation, and medical conditions all play a role. Food is just one of the many factors.

Yet, people tend to cling to this oversimplified narrative. They love to offer unsolicited advice without understanding the struggles that a person with obesity goes through. They don’t see the crushing frustration of doing everything right and still not seeing results. They don’t know what it’s like to wake up every day in a body that everyone feels entitled to judge. They don’t know the exhaustion of carrying not just extra weight, but the #shame and #stigma that is added to it.

I wish people would stop assuming. I wish they would see the person before the weight. And most of all, I wish they would understand—sometimes, the heaviest burden is not the body itself, but the weight of their words.

#ObesityAwareness #StopTheStigma #HealthNotJudgment #MoreThanFood #ChronicCondition #EndWeightBias #CompassionOverCriticism #MindYourWords #ObesityIsComplex #SeeThePerson #Bariatric Surgery #DrAparnaGovilBhasker

The Problem with Dominant Voices

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©Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

Over the past week, I have been trying to figure out what is my real issue with the recent statement made by L&T Chairman, Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, proposing a 90-hour workweek. It’s not just him; similar sentiments were voiced by Mr. Narayana Murthy last year. Even our beloved superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has often proclaimed that success demands sacrifice (sleep etc is for lowly mortals). The underlying message seems clear: to achieve greatness, one must be willing to pay the ultimate price.

There is no denying that these individuals are extremely influential figures in their fields. They are overachievers, highly successful, and immensely respected. Their opinions carry a lot of weight. And while much of the world erupted in outrage over Mr. Subrahmanyan’s statement, there is a significant faction of society nodding in agreement, wondering what the whole fuss is about. Some think that the whole conversation about work-life balance and Gen Z (or Gen alpha or beta or whatever you want to call it!) is overrated. Many would agree that staring at your wife for too long could actually make you feel headier and more imbalanced and it may be better to stare at your laptop instead! Some may not even have the luxury of making a choice to have balance in their lives as they struggle to make ends meet and couldn’t care less.

I’d like to address this issue from two perspectives: as a doctor and as a person.

As a doctor who has endured gruelling 40-hour shifts, I speak from experience. A 90-hour workweek translates to working 13-15 hours a day, depending on whether one works six or seven days a week. And we are talking about forever…… For corporate companies, this is a dream—a committed, overworked employee (almost a slave) willing to forgo sleep, health, and personal life for the bottom line. But for individuals, it’s a catastrophic health hazard. It defies everything we’ve learned in medical school and preach in our clinics. On the one hand, we advise people to sleep well, manage stress, eat healthy, and exercise. On the other, these voices of influence are urging people to do the exact opposite. The irony is almost laughable, except it’s not. I am actually wondering if I got it all wrong as a doctor for the last 30 years!

Let’s break it down: prolonged work hours increase the risk of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Sleep deprivation leads to impaired cognitive function and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Burnout—a term we’ve become all too familiar with—is real and devastating. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon. So, while we’re pushing people to work themselves to exhaustion in the name of success and national progress, we’re simultaneously creating a public health crisis. Isn’t it alarming how frequently we hear nowadays about dynamic, ambitious, and seemingly unstoppable young CEOs succumbing to untimely deaths in their 40s? And these are CEOs. What about the average employee who does not even have a voice or a choice in the system?

Consider where India stands on the global happiness index—a dismal rank of 126 out of 145, already near the bottom, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and declining mental well-being. Compare this with several Asian economies, such as Japan and South Korea, where long working hours have historically been glorified. These countries have witnessed a dramatic rise in depression rates, suicides, and a significant decline in happiness levels. The correlation between overwork and deteriorating mental health is well-documented, yet we seem intent on repeating the same mistakes. At this rate I am not so sure about the economy but we will definitely touch the bottom of the happiness index in the next few years! Not a goal we should aspire for!

Overworking the young workforce today will only exacerbate health problems, reduce productivity, and strain healthcare systems tomorrow. Sacrificing well-being for short-term economic gains is not just shortsighted—it’s stupid and reckless.

Now, as a person, I can’t help but wonder: what is the purpose of all this sacrifice? What is the definition of success? For every Shah Rukh Khan who glamorizes and glorifies sacrifice, there are countless stories of people who’ve lost their health, relationships, and joy chasing an ever-elusive dream of so called success. What’s the point of a rising GDP if the individuals contributing to it are physically and emotionally broken? As a mother, I can’t help but wonder—what would I truly want for my child? The thought of him growing into high-achieving individual is certainly appealing, but in my heart, I want him to find contentment and happiness above all else.

This brings me to the crux of the matter: the responsibility of dominant voices. When influential figures speak, their words carry power. They inspire, shape opinions, and influence decisions. But with great power comes great responsibility. What you believe personally and what you propagate as a leader are not the same. Personal philosophies can remain just that—personal. However, once you speak publicly, your words take on significant weight and gravitas. Corporate leaders and company owners have considerable influence, and when they share certain views, there’s often an element of power play involved. These are the men (and women) in power. What they say has to be followed (usually) otherwise there is always a fear of being cancelled officially or unofficially.

Statements like “work 90 hours a week” or “success demands sacrifice” are not mere opinions; they set dangerous precedents. They risk normalizing (sometimes idolizing) unhealthy behaviours and creating a culture where overwork is equated with worthiness and tends to bring validation from others. Leaders need to understand that their influence extends far beyond boardrooms and fan clubs. They have the power to inspire positive change or reinforce toxic practices.

So, my plea to those with dominant voices is simple: think before you speak. Understand the impact of your words. Success does not need to come at the cost of health and happiness. Sacrifice is not a badge of honour when it leads to suffering. As leaders, please champion a culture of balance and well-being, because a thriving nation is built not on overworked, burned-out individuals, but on healthy, fulfilled, happy and inspired citizens.

Above all, please don’t be dominating and loud, be kind and considerate.

#WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealthMatters #PublicHealth #SustainableSuccess #HealthyWorkCulture #OverworkIsNotSuccess #SayNoToBurnout #ResponsibleLeadership #ToxicWorkCulture #HappinessOverHustle

The Power Of A Common Man

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THE POWER OF A COMMON MAN

©Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

My husband and I have always divided our household chores equally. If I order vegetables, he orders the fruits. If our cook doesn’t show up, either one of us can step in to cook. If I teach our son math, he takes him for the tennis class. And if I have a challenging day at the hospital, he makes sure to order something nice for dinner. This balance has been the rhythm of our lives for almost two decades.

The other day, I overheard him ordering fruits on the phone. We’ve been getting our fruits from Guddu for over five years. We first became regulars at his small roadside shop, and later, he started delivering fruits directly to our home. He knows our preferences and always brings us the best of the lot. If certain fruits aren’t good that season, he’ll always let us know. Now we don’t even need to check on anything. He is extremely trustworthy and that’s the kind of relationship we’ve shared with him for years.

This time, however, the phone conversation seemed unusually long. After the list of fruits, words like Bajaj, Tata, Reliance, stocks, equity, and investments floated through the air. Curious, I listened for a bit longer and realized my husband wasn’t just ordering fruits—he was giving Guddu investment advice! I must say that this exchange between my white-collar husband and Guddu, our trusted fruit vendor, left me both amused and was deeply thought provoking.

This small interaction left me reflecting on two things. The first was about the relationships we form with people in our extended community. Over time, we had come to trust Guddu with our fruits, and in return, Guddu trusted my husband with his finances and investments. These bonds, built on mutual respect and trust, add so much richness to our lives. They go beyond mere transactions and bring a sense of connection in an increasingly impersonal world.

In today’s age of impersonal and faceless online deliveries, where convenience is king, these human interactions are often lost. While digital apps offer unparalleled efficiency—allowing us to receive groceries and everything else under the sun (from a to z!) at the click of a button—they lack the warmth, trust, and familiarity that come with personal interactions. Every call to Guddu isn’t just about fruits—it’s an opportunity for a meaningful conversation that can inspire and uplift. Such moments of connection reduce loneliness, decrease stress, and bring genuine happiness. In a fast-paced world, they remind us of the joy of slowing down and forming real relationships within our universe.

The second thought was about the evolution of the common man. Here was Guddu, a fruit vendor, discussing stocks and investments with ease. It was inspiring to see how even someone from modest means has an aspiration to secure a better future. Guddu’s aspirations for growth, his awareness of financial tools, and his willingness to seek advice speak volumes about the changing mindset of the common man in India.

He wasn’t just saving money—he was thinking about growing it. This reflects a profound hopefulness, not just for himself but for the next generation. He has no hesitation, no shame in asking for help, and a deep-seated belief in striving for something better. It’s a lesson for all of us: ambition, curiosity, and openness to learning can transform lives.

Guddu gives me hope. He truly embodies the dialogue of Shahrukh Khan—“Don’t underestimate the power of a common man.” He reminds me that the drive to improve, the courage to ask, and the willingness to grow are not limited by one’s circumstances or educational/financial status. It’s this spirit that makes the common man so extraordinary and inspires us all to believe in a better tomorrow.

Reflections 2025

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©Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

As we step into 2025, a quarter of this century has already passed. It’s fascinating to reflect on the world of 1925, a hundred years ago, and to imagine what it might look like a hundred years ahead, in 2125. We are but travellers on the infinite road of time, covering a brief stretch before passing the baton to the next. Life in this universe, in its essence, is like a relay race—each generation carries the baton for a while before handing it over to the next, ensuring the journey continues.

And yet, in this grand relay, we often overestimate our importance. At most, we remember those who handed us the baton—perhaps one or two generations before us. But beyond that, the faces and names fade into obscurity, and eventually, all of us will be forgotten, our footprints washed away by the endless tides of time.

In our eagerness to sprint ahead, we sometimes miss the beauty around us—the vibrant moments, the connections, the simple joys that line the path we are traveling. We run so fast, striving for purpose, recognition, or legacy, that we tire ourselves out, forgetting that the race is eventually a relay and isn’t ours alone to finish.

This tendency to overestimate our role, to focus solely on forward motion, is uniquely human. Other living beings don’t run this race of overthinking; they simply exist, savouring the world around them. Whether this is a blessing or a curse depends on how we approach it. While it can inspire progress, purpose, and meaning, it can just as easily lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Perhaps the key lies in finding harmony—learning to embrace our unique drive while also taking the time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey.

As the new year begins, let’s resolve to run differently—not just for speed or significance but with awareness, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the journey itself. After all, the baton will eventually be passed, whether we like it or not. Let’s ensure that while we hold it, we cherish the view and make the run worthwhile.

Here’s to a year of mindful traveling through life. Happy New Year!