Families that work out together shed pounds together: Weight loss study

BATTLING obesity and getting rid of a stubborn potbelly isn't just about appearance -- it's a fight for better health and a longer life.

- UNNIKRISHNAN S @T'Puram

Yet, despite the well-known benefits of weight loss, many struggle to shed the excess pounds.

The report on a 2015-17 study by the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) -- which was released on Monday -- is sure to shake up the way we think about fighting obesity. Instead of focusing on individuals alone, researchers have found that getting families involved can make a huge difference, offering a promising approach to weight management and long-term health improvement.

The trial, which tracked 1,671 participants across 750 families over two years, found that a comprehensive intervention could make a significant impact on obesity-related health markers like weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.