Ottawa, Aug 22 (IANS): An Indo-Canadian doctor has turned himself into a comedian to teach people about obesity.

Arya Sharma, 54, the chair of obesity research at the University of Alberta, the scientific director of the Canadian Obesity Network, pokes fun at stereotypes and struggles of being overweight, Vancouver Desi reported Thursday.

Two years back, Sharma began touring the country with what he describes as a half-comedy-routine, half-motivational-speech called Stop Being a Yo-Yo.

According to Sharma, the show is a light-hearted look at the ups and downs of weight loss.

Last week, after trying out at some open mic comedy nights in Edmonton bars, the physician joined the city's Fringe festival in a one-man show titled "Weighty Confessions of an Obesity Guru".

His seven shows have sold out, and he says there has been demand for more.

A large part of his audience consists of people who bring friends and family members with weight problems, Sharma said.

"If this was just a pure talk on obesity, it would be very hard to get those people to come out. But the whole thing is a show and we promise them humour."

Sharma says there's a fine line between being funny and informative, without being insulting.