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Videoconference on obesity today

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ABU DHABI — The Health Authority — Abu Dhabi (HAAD) is organising a videoconference today on obesity to address the rising cases of health problems associated with the condition.

Published: Wed 3 Oct 2007, 9:00 AM

Updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 4:42 AM

All participants are invited to share their insight into the matter for the final purpose of eradicating obesity which is on the increase in Abu Dhabi, the authority said.

According to scientists, people suffering from obesity are 30 per cent over their ideal body fat. This condition is caused mostly by eating disorders and lack of physical exercise. If left untreated, obesity can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) statistics, is one of the leading causes of death in the UAE.

The statistics show that 38 per cent of married women and over 15 per cent of married men across the country are obese, while 60 per cent of the entire population is overweight.

HAAD is now trying to draft a Midterm Plan to fight obesity, which will be based on the ideas and proposals floated during today’s videoconference.

Some of the areas to be studied, as proposed by Dr Oliver Harrison, Head of the Public Health Department at HAAD, include knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices of people in the UAE, including eating and behavioural patterns. All these can help develop strategy for future campaigns on obesity. During today’s videoconference, the participants will address issues like creating a supporting environment and developing preventive initiatives.

After the holy month of Ramadan, HAAD is planning to organise a second videoconference, in which the subjects of care, support and treatment of obesity will be discussed.



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