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Key Points

Eli Lilly and the Association of Physicians of India (API) have launched Obesity Gurukul, a pioneering medical education initiative. The program will train over 20,000 doctors across India to better manage obesity as a chronic disease. Combining in-person workshops and digital modules, it addresses the rising obesity crisis affecting 100 million Indians. The initiative emphasizes evidence-based care and long-term treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.

Key Points: Lilly and API Launch Obesity Gurukul to Transform India’s Obesity Care

  • Lilly and API partner for first-of-its-kind obesity CME program
  • Targets 20,000+ doctors across 10+ Indian cities
  • Combines in-person and online learning for obesity management
  • Aims to shift perception of obesity as a chronic disease
2 min read

Lilly Partners with API to launch 'Obesity Gurukul' - a first-of its-kind initiative to shape future of obesity care in India

Eli Lilly and API introduce Obesity Gurukul, a CME program training 20,000+ doctors to tackle India’s obesity crisis with structured education.

"Obesity is no longer a lifestyle issue—it is a disease with deep clinical, psychological, and economic impact. – Dr. Jyotimoy Pal, API President"

New Delhi, July 11

Eli Lilly and Company (India), in collaboration with the Association of Physicians of India (API), on Friday announced the launch of 'API - Obesity Gurukul', a flagship Continuing Medical Education (CME) program aimed at enhancing physicians' clinical capabilities to address obesity, which is rapidly emerging as one of India's most pressing public health challenges.

Taking inspiration from the traditional Indian Gurukul system, the program will offer a structured and immersive learning experience for over 20,000 healthcare professionals across more than 10 cities. Through a combination of in-person educational sessions conducted by API state chapters and interactive online modules, the initiative will provide practical insights into the understanding of obesity pathophysiology and its management.

"Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that requires more than just treatment--it demands continuous medical education, empathy, and coordinated action across the healthcare ecosystem," said Dr. Manish Mistry, Senior Medical Director, Eli Lilly and Company (India).

"Our partnership with the Association of Physicians of India (API) on the Obesity Gurukul program reflects our commitment to advancing clinical excellence and reshaping how obesity is understood and managed in India. By equipping physicians with the latest scientific insights and best practices, we aim to strengthen the quality of care and support better outcomes for people living with obesity," he added,

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Jyotimoy Pal, President of API, said, "Obesity is no longer a lifestyle issue--it is a disease with deep clinical, psychological, and economic impact. The Obesity Gurukul program is an important step toward empowering physicians to recognize and treat obesity as a chronic condition."

In India, close to 100 million people are living with obesity, with an adult prevalence rate of approximately 6.5% in 2023.1 People with obesity deserve the same level of medical attention as those living with other chronic diseases, including access to efficient and evidence-based long-term care.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
Good initiative but why partner with foreign pharma company? Indian medical associations should develop our own solutions. Obesity needs local dietary understanding - not just western medicine approaches.
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Arjun K
As someone who lost 25kg last year, I can say most doctors just tell you "eat less" without understanding the mental health aspects. Hope this Gurukul teaches them about emotional eating patterns common in Indian culture.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see traditional Gurukul concept applied to modern medicine! The holistic approach could work well if they include Ayurvedic principles alongside allopathic treatments. India's strength is in blending ancient and new wisdom.
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Vikram M
Will this program address childhood obesity too? Nowadays even 10-year-olds have pot bellies from junk food and no playtime. Schools need to be involved in this fight.
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Kavya N
Hope they train doctors to be sensitive. Many plus-size people face terrible stigma even in hospitals. My sister was told "just stop eating ghee" when she went for knee pain 😡 Proper medical training is long overdue!
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David E
The numbers are shocking - 100 million Indians with obesity! This silent epidemic needs more awareness. Maybe they should run public health campaigns alongside doctor training. Prevention is better than cure.

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