New Delhi, 14^th March 2026: At the Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation Scientific Symposium and Awards Program, leading medical professionals, researchers, and public health officials gathered at Taj Mansingh, New Delhi to address the escalating prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in the country.

The symposium introduced this year, marks the birth centenary of the Late Shri Sitaram Jaipuria, and brought together global and national experts, to examine emerging research, clinical challenges and strategies for prevention and management of cardio metabolic diseases. It also featured keynote addresses and panel discussions across four thematic areas, namely, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease.

These medical experts, highlighted the rising cases of obesity and diabetes in India, particularly among youth and urban residents. Furthermore, it was emphasised, the need for stronger prevention strategies, early screening and an integrated care management system to manage the growing instances of cardio metabolic disease in the country.

The symposium kicked off with a keynote speech from Prof. (Dr) Arya Sharma, Chair Obesity Research, University of Alberta, who addressed the shifting perceptions of obesity and its implication for global health systems. Experts in a panel also discussed if adipocentricity is becoming a new standard in managing cardio metabolic diseases, followed by Prof. (Dr) Kamlesh Khunti, Primary Care Diabetes, University of Leicester, sharing insights on diabetes mellitus. The event also delved into the importance of liver health in metabolic disorders. Prof. (Dr) Arun J Sanyal, Distinguished Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University, emphasized the liver’s crucial role in shaping metabolic health outcomes.

The session’s deliberations also centered on the nexus between hepatic ailments and wider cardio metabolic disorders. The concluding thematic focus was cardiovascular disease, with Prof. (Dr) Jagat Narula, Global M Health Innovation Professor, Mount Sinai, sharing thoughts on creating a world where coronary disease is rare. Further a panel, moderated by Prof. (Dr) Dorairaj Prabhakaran, President-Elect of World Heart Federation and Executive Director of Centre for Chronic Disease Control, examined the intricate interplay among the heart, kidneys, and pancreas in the etiology and treatment of cardio metabolic conditions.

Sharing his thoughts on the symposium, Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman & Managing Director, Cosmo First Limited, & Chairman, Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation said, “India is facing a growing burden of cardio metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Addressing this challenge requires a collaborative approach involving doctors, researchers, policymakers and communities. Through the Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation Scientific Symposium, we aim to create a platform to facilitate discussions on such crucial health issues. Further, we will continue to recognise excellence in medical research and create platforms that encourage knowledge exchange and innovation in healthcare.”

The symposium also included presentations from past recipients of the Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation Medical and Healthcare Excellence Awards, recognizing their contributions to clinical research, public health, and medical innovation within India.

The Sitaram Jaipuria Foundation Medical and Healthcare Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions by medical professionals and researchers working to improve healthcare outcomes in India.

The symposium served as an important platform for dialogue among experts, highlighting the urgent need for preventive strategies, early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care to address the rising burden of cardio metabolic diseases in India.