Obesity, the evolving epidemic

By Quratulain Syedain, MD (Internist, New York)

Obesity refers to an excess of body fat. Obesity is defined in terms of body mass index (BMI) measured as weight in k.g. divided by height in meter square. For example a person weighs 61 k.g.(135 lbs) with height 5'8" which is 1.7 meter, so BMI is 61 / 1.7x1.7(2.89)  = 21 k.g/m2. BMI between 18.5-24.9 is healthy weight. Below 18.5 is underweight ,25-29.9 is over-weight and over 30 is obesity. Over 40 is morbid obesity.

Read More »

Stigma with Mental health Disorders

By Quratulain Zehra Syedain, MD (Internist, New York)

Like body, mind can also be afflicted with illness and impairment. Brain is the  most vital  and complex organ of the body and can get diseased like any other organ. While physical illnesses and  impairments drive sympathy, mental illnesses and impairments become a cause of being a laughing stock! "Cuckoo", "crazy" and "nuts" are some of the common terms used by lay persons and physicians alike. Conversation about psychiatric patients appears hilarious

Read More »