Obesity a growing problem in UAE

Abu Dhabi: A health awareness campaign here will advise people how to fight the growing problems of obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes.

The campaign will consist of two sessions, the first on April 22, when doctors and family health educators will be available at the Cultural Foundation's Ibn Majid Hall to advise visitors on health matters.

On April 29 at 7pm there will be an information session in English.

The campaign is being conducted by the National Health Insurance Company (Daman).

Both sessions will look at the symptoms and effects of obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as how to control and prevent these conditions.

After the information sessions health care pro-viders and pharmaceutical companies will offer free screening services.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) instances of diabetes, obesity and high blood cholesterol are on the increase in the UAE. "Our decision to present this programme was based on the alarming statistics of the WHO about the three diseases," said Dr. Michael Bitzer, chief executive officer of Daman.

"Raising awareness and leading a healthy lifestyle are vital when it comes to preventing these ailments. We are delighted to be able to play a role in providing more information," he said.

According to physicians there is a diabetic epidemic in the UAE, affecting 20 per cent of the adult population.

One in every five people aged between 20 and 79 suffer from diabetes. A high fat and high sugar diet and a sedentary lifestyle are the major cause of diabetes.

Many residents also suffer from high blood cholesterol but they are unaware of it because there are no symptoms. High blood cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease which leads to strokes and heart attacks.

A health policy maker also stressed the importance of treating and preventing child obesity.