It gives me immense pleasure to welcome all delegates, faculty members, students, researchers, policymakers, and guests to the 1st AIIMS Obesity Summit 2026, organized by the Department of Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi.

Obesity is one of the defining health challenges of the 21st century. It is a chronic disease that fuels diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, cancer, and numerous other conditions, affecting millions of lives and placing a growing burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

The theme of this summit, “Decoding Obesity: Biology to Remedy,” is a call to action. For researchers, it is a call to generate new knowledge. For clinicians, a call to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care. For educators, a call to promote healthy habits early in life. For policymakers, a call to create environments that make healthy choices easier. And for every citizen, it is a reminder that daily choices related to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management can profoundly influence lifelong health.

No single individual, institution, or nation can solve this challenge alone. Together, through science, innovation, education, public policy, and personal responsibility, we can reverse the tide of obesity and build healthier communities.

I congratulate Prof. Naval K. Vikram, the Organizing Chairman, and the entire organizing committee for their vision, dedication, and hard work in bringing this important initiative to fruition. I am confident that this summit will stimulate meaningful scientific exchange, inspire future collaborations, and contribute to advancing obesity prevention, care, research, and policy in India and beyond.

My warmest wishes for the resounding success of the 1st AIIMS Obesity Summit 2026.