Cipla launches ‘Win Over Weight’ campaign in India to raise obesity awareness

Cipla Limited has launched a nationwide awareness campaign, ‘Win Over Weight’ , aimed at reframing how obesity is perceived in India. The initiative encourages people to view weight management as a long-term health priority , emphasizing that medical consultation combined with lifestyle support can empower individuals to take control of their health. The campaign focuses on reducing stigma and sharing easy-to-understand, credible information about the struggles of people living with obesity.

While the campaign highlights the importance of early action and structured care, the issue of obesity extends far beyond India. Globally, around one in eight adults lives with obesity , and the prevalence of overweight individuals has more than doubled since 1990. Children are also increasingly affected, with millions of young children and adolescents classified as overweight . Experts describe this as a public health crisis driven by sedentary lifestyles, calorie-dense diets, urbanization, and socioeconomic factors, compounded by genetic and metabolic influences.

The consequences of obesity are severe. It is a major risk factor for chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and respiratory disorders. Childhood obesity can lead to early-onset disease in adulthood and carries psychosocial burdens, including stigma, bullying, and reduced quality of life. According to WHO estimates, elevated body mass index contributed to over 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2021.

The economic impact is equally alarming. The World Obesity Federation predicts that the annual global cost of overweight and obesity could reach $4.32 trillion by 2035 , including healthcare expenses and productivity losses. Without coordinated interventions, studies warn that by 2050, more than half of adults and one-third of children could be overweight or obese, placing enormous strain on health systems and societies.

India faces a double burden of malnutrition , with rising obesity rates alongside persistent undernutrition. Public health experts emphasize that awareness campaigns, while helpful, must be paired with policy measures that improve food environments, promote physical activity, regulate marketing of unhealthy foods, and expand access to preventive healthcare.

In this context, Cipla’s campaign represents an effort to start a national conversation about obesity , highlighting that structured medical guidance and lifestyle support are critical for managing this chronic condition. The company’s spokesperson said the initiative reflects Cipla’s commitment to building an informed obesity care ecosystem, supporting early action, and normalizing medical guidance across India.