Obesity Crisis: A Call to Action in the UAE
Vlado Bosanac
Founder & Head of Strategy at Advanced Health Intelligence (formerly Advanced Human Imaging) (AHI). Specialising in body scan technology and health assessment/monitoring delivered through smartphones (ASX: AHI)
As the country continues to build a healthier and more prosperous society, a critical issue demands attention: obesity. The statistics are alarming - according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with over 70% of men and 67% of women classified as overweight or obese. To address this issue, a National Nutrition Strategy has been launched to reduce the prevalence of obesity and other diet-related health issues. A Healthy Food Environment Policy has also been implemented to promote healthy food options and limit the marketing of unhealthy foods. Additionally, a sugar tax has been introduced to discourage the consumption of sugary drinks and promote healthier choices.
Obesity is a significant public health issue, and it's crucial that it's tackled head-on. Digital screening can help identify and track obesity, allowing for the monitoring of subtle changes that occur over years of poor health behaviours. By leveraging technology in this way, the country can better understand the factors contributing to obesity in its population and develop targeted interventions to address them. The healthcare system has also been invested i
n providing access to quality healthcare services, including weight management programs and treatment for obesity-related conditions. The consequences of obesity are far-reaching. This complex condition is linked to various comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, mental health conditions, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. These conditions not only affect an individual's quality of life but also place a significant burden on the healthcare system and economy. To promote physical activity, initiatives such as the "UAE Moves" campaign have been launched, aiming to encourage people to engage in regular physical activity.
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Decisive action is being taken to create a healthier society where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to maintain a healthy weight and live their best life. Through a multifaceted approach, the country is addressing the social, environmental, and economic factors driving obesity and is promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and providing education and awareness about the risks associated with obesity. Public awareness campaigns are underway, educating people about the risks of obesity and the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. These efforts are creating a centre of excellence for the rest of the world to follow, setting a shining example of how to effectively tackle the global obesity epidemic. A healthier, happier society is being built by working together, paving the way for others to do the same.
The country recognises that obesity is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and support. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders are collaborating to develop sustainable solutions that address the root causes of obesity and provide accessible treatment options for those affected. School health programs are being implemented to promote healthy lifestyle habits among children and adolescents. These efforts are yielding positive results, emerging as a model for effective obesity management and prevention.
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