Tirupati/Vijayawada, October 11, 2025
In a stark alert to the rice-loving populace of southern India, renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. G. Moinoddin has pinpointed the everyday staple—polished white rice as a key culprit in fueling the region's obesity epidemic. Speaking at a media conference in Tirupati on Saturday, the director of South India Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, urged residents to swap their polished rice for nutrient-rich brown varieties and diversify meals with proteins and whole foods to stem the tide of metabolic disorders.
Dr. Moinoddin, a veteran in weight-loss surgeries with over two decades of experience treating obesity-related complications, drew a direct line between excessive consumption of polished rice—a refined grain stripped of its fiber-rich bran and germ layers—and the skyrocketing rates of overweight and obesity in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states. "Polished rice, while easy to cook and digest, spikes blood sugar levels rapidly due to its high glycemic index, leading to insulin resistance and fat accumulation," he explained, emphasizing how this dietary staple exacerbates issues like hypothyroidism, PCOS, and sedentary lifestyles prevalent among the 15-49 age group. Women, he noted, are particularly vulnerable, bearing the brunt of excess carbohydrate intake that manifests as abdominal fat and hormonal imbalances.
Citing regional health data, Dr. Moinoddin revealed alarming figures: An estimated 67.4% of people in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are either overweight or obese, with 31.1% of men and a higher 36.3% of women affected. This surge, he warned, is propelling a "metabolic syndrome" crisis—characterized by hypertension, high blood sugar, and elevated cholesterol—that heightens risks for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. "This underscores the need to diversify the diet and incorporate healthier, balanced meals," the surgeon stated, advocating for a gradual transition to brown rice, which retains its outer layers for higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote satiety and stable energy levels. "Switching to brown rice isn't just a tweak; it's a game-changer for weight management and long-term health," he added, recommending portion control alongside additions like pulses, legumes, dairy, fish, and eggs to curb the carb-heavy meals typical in Telugu households.
The conference, organized by Manipal Hospitals to raise awareness ahead of World Obesity Day next year, comes amid India's broader battle against lifestyle diseases. National surveys indicate obesity rates have doubled in the last decade, with southern states lagging due to cultural reliance on rice-based diets. Dr. Moinoddin highlighted bariatric surgery as a lifeline for severe cases, praising minimally invasive techniques like sleeve gastrectomy that restrict food intake and recalibrate metabolism. "Surgery isn't a first resort but a reset button for those whose lives are at risk," he said, sharing success stories of patients shedding 50-100 kg post-procedure.
Local health experts echoed the call to action. Dr. Lakshmi Reddy, a nutritionist at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences in Tirupati, stressed community-level interventions: "Public campaigns promoting brown rice in school meals and subsidies for unpolished grains could make a dent." On social media, the message is gaining traction, with #BrownRiceRevolution trending in Andhra Pradesh, where users share recipes blending the grain with local spices.
As Andhra Pradesh grapples with post-monsoon health challenges, Dr. Moinoddin's plea resonates: In a land where rice is ritual and routine, rethinking the bowl could be the key to a leaner, healthier future. For those seeking guidance, Manipal Hospitals offers free obesity screenings this month—because, as the surgeon put it, "Prevention through the plate is cheaper than cure on the table."
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