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Experts Dr. Malay Parekh and Dr. Rikin Shah share how to navigate festive indulgences while protecting heart and metabolic health, combining mindful habits with Semaglutide
Experts emphasize that indulgence need not come at the cost of well-being, provided one balances enjoyment with awareness and timely interventions.
The festive season in India is synonymous with sweets, celebrations, and family feasts. While these moments bring joy, they also pose challenges for those mindful of their weight and heart health. Experts emphasize that indulgence need not come at the cost of well-being, provided one balances enjoyment with awareness and timely interventions.
Enjoying Festivities Without Guilt
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“Festivities are an important part of our culture, and people should be able to enjoy them without guilt,” says Dr Malay Parekh, Diabetologist, Shanaya Diabetes & Obesity Centre. “However, they also bring the challenge of food noise, the constant pull of indulgent foods that can make managing weight and heart health a daily struggle.” He points to recent research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), which highlights the use of semaglutide in mitigating this challenge: 46% of participants reported experiencing less food noise, 76% adopted healthier lifestyles, and 64% noticed improvements in mental well-being. According to Dr. Parekh, “The key is moderation and mindfulness. When the noise around food quiets, healthier choices naturally follow, supporting not just physical health but also quality of life.” This guidance is particularly crucial as nearly one in four people with diabetes in India faces heightened cardiovascular risk after the festive season.
Pharmacotherapy: A Complement, Not a Standalone Solution
Addressing the role of medical therapies in weight and metabolic health, Dr Rikin Shah, Consultant Diabetologist and Obesity Specialist, Vijayratna Clinic, Ahmedabad
notes, “Pharmacotherapy is a powerful tool, but not a standalone solution. HbA1c remains the deciding factor and root cause for heightened cardiovascular risk among people with T2D. Early initiation of therapies like oral semaglutide can be a game-changer, as even a 12–15-month delay in T2D treatment escalates cardiovascular event risk despite stable BMI.” He emphasizes a holistic approach: “Semaglutide supports weight loss, improves metabolic health, and slows disease progression. Combining pharmacotherapy with lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, activity, sleep, and stress management is key. Medicines help overcome biological resistance, while healthier daily habits sustain long-term gains.”
Daily Habits That Impact Long-Term Health
Modern lifestyles with hectic schedules, late-night snacking, and prolonged sitting—can quietly increase obesity and cardiovascular risk. Dr. Parekh explains, “Small, daily behaviours often add up to significant long-term risks. Skipping meals, overeating late at night, poor sleep, and high reliance on processed foods contribute to insulin resistance and gradual weight gain, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.” Tools like QRISK3, which estimates a 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease, help individuals assess and monitor their risk levels, empowering proactive health management.
Recognizing Subtle Warning Signs
Early detection is vital. Dr. Shah notes, “Cardiovascular disease often develops silently, especially in people with diabetes. Warning signs can include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, chest discomfort, palpitations, or unexplained changes in blood sugar control. Nighttime urination or disturbed sleep may also indicate heart strain.” Regular health checks—blood pressure, lipid profile, HbA1c, kidney and eye exams—are essential for early detection and intervention.
Beyond Weight Loss: Heart-Protective Benefits of Semaglutide
Dr. Parekh highlights the broader benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, “These therapies mimic a natural gut hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. They reduce hunger, increase satiety, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. Beyond weight loss, they offer cardiovascular protection. Large-scale trials, such as the SELECT study, demonstrated a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. The SOUL study showed that oral semaglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 14% in individuals with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. These therapies reduce inflammation, improve lipid profiles, and lower blood pressure, offering benefits far beyond weight reduction.”
Framing Therapies as Part of a Long-Term Health Plan
Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of perspective: “It’s vital to shift the conversation beyond just weight loss. These treatments are evidence-based medical tools for managing a chronic disease. Early initiation can prevent complications before they arise the principle of ‘First things First.’ Just as we start blood pressure medication to prevent stroke or statins to reduce heart disease risk, timely use of obesity therapies helps protect metabolic and cardiovascular health. Patients must understand that these therapies are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive care plan, including nutrition, physical activity, and regular monitoring. Framing them as proactive, long-term interventions ensures meaningful, sustainable benefits for overall health.”
Celebrating festivals and indulging in culinary delights need not compromise health. With a combination of mindful eating, awareness of daily habits, early detection, and appropriate use of pharmacotherapy, individuals can enjoy festivities while safeguarding their heart and metabolic well-being. As Dr Parekh and Dr Shah underscore, the goal is not just temporary weight management, it is long-term vitality, energy, and quality of life.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 24, 2025, 22:35 IST
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