Millennials sweat it out to shed flab in contest

Ras Al Khaimah - One male and one female winner will be awarded a cash prize of Dh500 for every kilo lost up to 10 kgs, each.

The millennials live a totally sedentary life glued to their smart gadgets, and this could be one reason why they are the most overweight generation on record, said a health expert in Ras Al Khaimah.
Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO of Arabian Healthcare Group and executive director of RAK Hospital, was talking about the recent findings by the hospital during its ongoing 'RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge'.
Backed by the encouragement and guidance of the hospital staff, over 1,000 participants from across the UAE vowed to adopt a healthy lifestyle as part of the challenge that started last month and will conclude on April 28. One male and one female winner will be awarded a cash prize of Dh500 for every kilo lost up to 10 kgs, each. Runners up will receive cash prizes of Dh2,000.
Ruba Al Hourani, dietician at RAK Hospital, said: "Based on the weight, height and BMI recorded at the time of registration, one-third of the participants were found to be severely obese, more than 33 per cent were obese and 28 per cent were mildly obese. Millennials were the most overweight generation on record, with 70 per cent most likely to be overweight or obese when they reach the age of 30.
"A lot of Asians (Indians and Filipinos mainly) and Emiratis registered for the challenge and what we found was that while the Asians had health problems and were overweight as a result, the Emiratis and other Arabs mainly had obesity issues," she added.
RAK resident Ankesh, 31, said he was 108kg and has now lost about 13kg in just a matter of few weeks into the competition. "I attended yoga classes and diet and exercise demonstrations organised by the hospital from March 31. That really motivated me to follow a plan. After joining the challenge, I have started running for one and a half hours in the morning and evening. I feel so good." Now, half way into its journey, the 10-week contest has gained momentum by becoming a source of motivation for UAE residents to lose weight.
RAK Hospital CEO, Dr Jean Marc Gauer, said: "We have seen an alarming rise in obesity the world over and the situation in the UAE is no different. The recent findings claiming millennials are the most overweight generation on record should give a clear picture of where we're heading. Active measures are needed to reverse this scenario. The statistics acquired through the Biggest Loser Challenge also gives a general picture of the obesity level in the UAE, with one-third of the population being overweight".
Dr Siddiqui added: "We are happy with the response this campaign has generated. Already, we can see the excitement and motivation among the participants who have lost weight, and we hope that these 10 weeks will help them realise the importance of keeping fit. This could possibly be the turning point in the lives of the hundreds of UAE residents who participated, and they can be an example for many others who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The UAE needs more such innovative and interactive campaigns to create awareness about wise lifestyle choices."
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah