Dr. Virupaksha HS, Department of Psychiatry at BGS Medical College and Hospital, participated as the keynote speaker in the webinar organized by the Family Alliance on Mental Illness.
The Family Alliance on Mental Illness recently organized a comprehensive webinar titled The Weight of Weight, addressing the critical intersection of lifestyle, psychiatry, and weight management. Held on August 22, 2026, the virtual event brought together a diverse audience consisting of mental health professionals, individuals navigating mental health challenges, and their supportive family members. The session aimed to shed light on how body weight significantly influences the progression, treatment efficacy, and long term prognosis of psychiatric conditions.
Dr. Virupaksha HS, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at BGS Medical College and Hospital in Bangalore, served as the keynote speaker. During his presentation, Dr. Virupaksha explored the complex relationship between metabolic health and mental well being. He highlighted how weight gain can often be a side effect of pharmacological interventions, which in turn may affect patient compliance and overall therapeutic outcomes. The discussion provided valuable insights into how weight management should be integrated into the broader framework of psychiatric care rather than being treated as a secondary concern.
A significant portion of the webinar was dedicated to the therapeutic benefits of non pharmacological interventions. Dr. Virupaksha emphasized that structured exercise and mindful dietary habits are not merely supplementary but are foundational to achieving a positive response to psychiatric treatment. By maintaining a healthy weight, patients often experience improved mood regulation and a reduction in the physical comorbidities associated with chronic mental illness. The session concluded with an analysis of modern weight loss medications and their appropriate application within a psychiatric context.
The event underscored the commitment of the Family Alliance on Mental Illness to holistic recovery models. By fostering a dialogue between clinical experts and the community, the webinar empowered attendees with the knowledge to manage the physical aspects of mental health more effectively. The insights shared during the session reflect an evolving understanding in the field of psychiatry, where the synergy between physical health and mental stability is recognized as a cornerstone of successful patient rehabilitation.
