Gulf News initiative ends on a lighter note

Dubai: Gulf News' six-month Cut the Fat campaign ends Tuesday. It started at the behest of Gulf News staffer Mohammed N. Al Khan pledging to lose 50 kilograms in 24 weeks. He weighed 152 kilograms.

The Emirati videographer has been battling obesity and diabetes for a few years. Finally, in a bid to alleviate his parents' worry over his health, Mohammed decided it was time to give it his best shot.

Read more:

The good fight against obesity goes on

Mental fitness and realistic approach

In Focus: Cut The Fat campaign

Making a public pledge through a newspaper campaign meant no turning back, also it was the perfect opportunity for the newspaper to focus on an issue that is a nation-wide problem - the UAE has one of the highest obesity rates in the world.

During the campaign, in-depth stories and columns looked at various aspects of obesity, while Mohammed charted his progress through blogs, videos, weigh-ins. He lost 17 kilograms.

Readers also wrote in with their success stories. The campaign has ended but our drive to promote good health will continue.

As Humaid Al Humaidi, a reader inducted into the Cut the Fat hall of fame, said: "After my story was published in Gulf News, the feedback I got was very inspiring and it will surely make me continue my journey to a healthy lifestyle."