To raise awareness of obesity - a condition where a person has
accumulated so much body fat that it could have a negative effect on
their health - Al Wakra Hospital (AWH) will host a three-day event from
26 to 28 November in observance of this year’s World Anti-Obesity Day.
“Obesity
is a chronic disease, according to the World Health Organization 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,” says Dr. Mohamed El Sherif, Bariatric Endocrinologist
at Bariatric Surgery Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
He
explains that unhealthy eating habits like consuming fast food and lack
of physical activity are significant reasons for developing obesity.
However, he says 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. Mohammed
Rizwan, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Consultant at Al Wakra Hospital,
stresses that bariatric surgeries are now considered to be one of the
most successful ways of treating morbid obesity. “Many metabolic
diseases like Type 2 diabetes can be corrected by bariatric surgeries
and can be 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 notes.
Dr.
Moataz Bashah, Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Services at
HMC emphasizes that the National Obesity Center, which sits under HMC’s
Qatar Metabolic Institute, was recently opened for the prevention of
weight-related diseases as outlined in the National Health Strategy. He
says the Center is especially important in Qatar, which is faced with
some of the highest levels of metabolic complications resulting from
obesity and diabetes.
Speaking about the Anti-Obesity Day
awareness program, Dr. Bashah noted that the event 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.
