Medical experts have raised concerns over the increasing problem of obesity during the pandemic. Taking cognisance of the matter, they have warned people against overeating and checking their weight after Iftar parties.

Speaking to the Khaleej Times, Dr Guido Mannaerts, bariatric surgery consultant at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), said the problem of obesity is on the rise and it can cause further long-term health-related issues.

Dr Mannaerts stressed there is no vaccine that can help in the treatment of obesity. While there are some medications that can help in reducing weight, some of them have unfavourable side effects. There are some medicines that are only effective during the course of medication. Once the course stops, its effectiveness reduces. Therefore, Dr Mannaerts has underlined the importance of changing lifestyle, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising daily to control weight gain.

Notably, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a joint venture of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and US-based Mayo Clinic.

Dr Talat Shaban Al Shaban, consultant physician, general and bariatric surgery at SSMC, explained various causes of obesity including overeating, emotional eating, having unhealthy food choices, eating out regularly, drinking sugary drinks, and lack of physical activity.

Dr Al Shaban urged people to ensure healthy food choices in their daily routine which include fruits and vegetables, healthy cooking with less fat, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes, especially before Iftar, to prevent obesity and other health issues.

Dr Mannaerts, who is also the Chair of the Department of General Surgery Clinic at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, noted that studies have shown obese patients, especially men above 50 years, have a higher chance of getting severely affected if infected with COVID-19.

In this regard, Dr Mannaerts urged the public, especially obese people, to take the COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.

“The efficacy of the vaccines that are being provided in the UAE is between 79 per cent to 94 per cent. While vaccinated people can still contract the disease, infection in a fully vaccinated person is less severe and therefore there are lesser chances of hospital admissions and fatalities," Dr Mannaerts added.

Dr Al Shaban affirmed that the UAE Government has ensured various measures in recent years to protect the health and welfare of the public. The UAE has launched multiple health awareness campaigns, established physical activity venues, and started a periodic screening programme titled the ‘Etminan’ initiative. Furthermore, the UAE launched a number of early intervention programmes for children and adults who are diagnosed with obesity.

Dr Al Shaban said it is every individual’s responsibility to avail benefits from the initiatives and platforms launched by the UAE government and relevant healthcare partners to control their weight gain and prioritise their health.