AR
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On the occasion of World Obesity Day, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has called on all community members to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to prevent weight-related illnesses.
SEHA underlined that ideal weight, followed by healthy food habits and lifestyle, helps in various weight-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some types of cancer.
Furthermore, maintaining an ideal weight will help in controlling cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. SEHA is encouraging more people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
In this regard, SEHA gave an example of an Emirati woman, aged 62, who lost around 33 kilograms in eight months by adhering to a healthy programme devised by one of its weight clinics. In addition, she has seen major significant improvements in her health. Before receiving services at the Neima Healthcare Centre in Al Ain, the woman was experiencing difficulty in walking short distances along with breathing issues during and after walking. She was also experiencing pains in her ears, dizziness and sleep problems.
According to Latifa Al Dhaheri, a nutritionist at the centre, the woman was provided with a treatment plan in accordance with her weight-loss journey. After strictly following the plan, the woman was able to lose significant amount of weight down from 113.3kg to 80kg within a few months. After treatment, she was able to walk for 90 minutes, her ability to breathe improved, and she became more active with her children.
Ministry encourages healthier lifestyles
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has cited the 2017-18 National Health Survey, according to which 27.8 percent of adults in the UAE are considered to be obese. Obesity is largely prevalent (about 17.35 percent) among children and adolescents aged 5-17 years , according to the latest statistics from a periodic examination of school children.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also predicted that 2.7 billion adults across the world will be overweight and obese by 2025.
Obesity and smoking are among the major causes of various health risks including cancer, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes worldwide.
Therefore, the minister has partnered with local health authorities to raise awareness about leading healthy lifestyles. These efforts are being taken as part of UAE's national action plan to overcome obesity and challenges posed by the condition.
UAE authorities have also launched several social media awareness campaigns such as the "Together We Move" initiative to promote the habit of physical activity among women aged 18-44 years. Other campaigns have underlined the importance of eating healthy food as well as avoiding sweetened drinks. The government has also imposed a tax of 50 percent on sweetened drinks and 100 percent on energy drinks.
The ministry's Ma'kom for Active Life social media platform is also encouraging community members to maintain their health using the tips and guidelines on focusing on healthy eating and physical activity.
The ministry also launched the "Healthy and Positive Workplace" initiative for its employees to facilitate a supportive work environment and encourage them to adopt healthy habits for an improved lifestyle.
SOURCE: The National News