“Obesity is a chronic disease, according to the World Health Organisation and several other international associations concerned with obesity management. Obesity can occur due to both genetic and environmental causes and it is a major risk for developing serious diseases, including coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and infertility,” said Dr Mohamed El Sherif, bariatric endocrinologist at the Bariatric Surgery Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
He explained that unhealthy eating habits like consuming fast food and lack of physical activity are significant reasons for developing obesity. However, he noted that obesity is mostly preventable through a combination of social changes and personal choices, underscoring the importance of Anti-Obesity Day awareness events that focus on providing information about obesity and its prevention.
Dr Mohamed Rizwan, bariatric and metabolic surgery consultant at Al Wakra Hospital, stressed that bariatric surgeries are now considered to be one of the most successful ways of treating morbid obesity.
“Many metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, can be corrected by bariatric surgeries and cured completely post-surgery in some cases. It is important for patients to continue with their follow-up after surgery and maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid weight regain,” he noted.
Dr Moataz Bashah, director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Services at HMC, emphasised that the National Obesity Centre, which is under HMC’s Qatar Metabolic Institute, was recently opened for the prevention of weight-related diseases as outlined in the National Health Strategy. He said the centre is especially important in Qatar, which is faced with some of the highest levels of metabolic complications resulting from obesity and diabetes.
Dr Bashah noted that the Anti-Obesity Day awareness events will feature workshops at three different locations in Al Wakra Hospital, aiming to increase public awareness about obesity, obesity-related co-morbidities, risk factors, prevention and supportive services available to patients.
He said workshop participants will include bariatric surgeons and physicians, surgical nursing staff, patient and family educators, dietitians and physiotherapists.
“The event will target adults, adolescents and pregnant women visiting Al Wakra Hospital through awareness stands and booths set up to disseminate information and education about obesity,” Dr Bashah stated.
Hospital nursing staff will also be on hand to measure visitors’ height, weight, body mass index and body composition. They will also check visitors’ vital signs and conduct random blood sugar level checks.
Patient and Family Education teams, dietitians and physiotherapists will provide visitors with information about maintaining a healthy diet, the importance of daily physical exercise, and the importance of physical activity as a strategy to prevent obesity.
Other highlights of the event will include a presentation, lectures, and an open discussion.
Event participants will also receive souvenirs as a token of appreciation.
Al Wakra Hospital is hosting the event in observance of this year’s World Anti-Obesity Day.
Al Wakra Hospital will host a three-day event to raise awareness of obesity from Sunday until November 28 in observance of this year’s World Anti-Obesity Day.
