By Favour Ulebor

In a bid to raise awareness about the dangers of untreated obesity and related illnesses, a Surgeon at Aga Khan Hospital, Dr. Syed Tanseer Asghar, has warned that persistent weight gain, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure and recurring acid reflux may be signs of broader health conditions affecting a person’s overall wellbeing.

In a statement reaching Vanguard, Dr. Tanseer said many patients often treat such symptoms separately without realizing they may be linked to obesity, blood circulation disorders and kidney disease.

According to him, many patients seek treatment for individual complaints without realizing that the conditions may be connected.

He explained that excess weight can contribute to a range of illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, poor sleep, joint pain, breathing difficulties and reduced mobility, adding that early assessment is important in preventing complications.

The surgeon spoke following specialist consultations held on June 17 and 18, 2026, at The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he and other specialists attended to patients with complex health conditions.

Dr. Tanseer noted that weight loss surgery should not be viewed as a cosmetic procedure or an easy solution to obesity.

Rather, he said it may become part of treatment for carefully selected patients whose excess weight has significantly affected their health and quality of life.

According to information shared ahead of the consultations, his work in Tanzania has supported the development of services for patients living with severe obesity and other surgical conditions, while about 100 surgeries have reportedly been performed through the programme.

The statement also highlighted growing concerns over obesity and diabetes in Nigeria.

Data from the World Obesity Federation, based on the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, shows that among urban women aged 20 to 49, about 24 per cent are overweight while 13.6 per cent are obese. Among rural women in the same age group, 15.9 per cent are overweight and 6.5 per cent are obese.

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that about three million Nigerian adults were living with diabetes in 2024, with projections suggesting the figure could rise to 6.6 million by 2050.

The statement noted that behind the figures are families struggling with long term health conditions despite repeated efforts through dieting, exercise, medication and lifestyle changes.

Patients were advised not to resort to self diagnosis but to seek proper medical evaluation.

According to the specialists, decisions on treatment should be based on a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s weight, diabetes status, blood pressure, nutrition, sleep pattern and overall health condition.

Also speaking, vascular surgeon at The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Dr. Sana Sharafat Ali, said blood vessel health remains a critical part of managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Dr. Ali, who is recognised in her professional profile as Pakistan’s first female vascular surgeon, specialises in the treatment of blood circulation disorders, varicose veins, chronic wounds and dialysis access procedures for kidney patients.

The statement explained that diabetes and high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and kidneys, leading to swelling, pain, poor wound healing and, in severe cases, kidney failure requiring dialysis.

The Medical experts advised patients to seek professional care if they experience recurring acid reflux, uncontrolled blood sugar, persistent high blood pressure, painful veins, swollen legs, wounds that fail to heal, hernia symptoms or kidney related complications.

The statement added that another specialist consultation is expected to hold at The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, in September 2026 for patients seeking further assessment and treatment.