Sheikha Nawal Al Hamoud Al Sabah presided over the launch of “Tawazon: Prevention & Treatment” National Campaign against Obesity during a press conference held Monday at the Gulf University for Science and Technology.
Others who spoke during the press conference were: Adnan Seif, General Manager, Ijaz Real Estate Development, Engr. Rihab Al Kafri, also of Ijaz Real Estate and Bader Al Shishani, Sales Manager, Flex Resort.
The conference, which is being sponsored by Ijaz Company for Real Estate Development will be held from Oct 27-28, 2010 at the Salwa Sabah Al Ahmad Hall and will feature consultants, professors and medical specialists as well as representatives from the Ministry of Information and Education coming together to discuss the issue of the growing threat of obesity in Kuwait.
The campaign, according to Sheikha Nawal, is in line with the government’s thrust in promoting cooperation between the public and private sectors in addressing vital issues, such as the growing menace of obesity and other health problems affecting the country’s population owing to decadent lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits.
On the sidelines of the conference will be a four-day exhibition of medical, nutritional and health products by various participating companies aside from a marathon/walkathon and a four-month weight loss competition designed to motivate and encourage the obese and overweight to shed those extra pounds and win valuable prizes to boot.
The purpose of the conference, among other things, is to: review the prevalence of obesity in Kuwait and the GCC; be apprised of the dangers caused by obesity in all age categories in the general population; the role of the Ministry of Health in spreading awareness about obesity in society; the vital role played by the Ministry of Education in educating and teaching students healthy habits; the role of society and families in general in promoting the concept of healthy living; and the role of religion in reminding humans of their responsibility in maintaining a healthy existence.
Objectives of campaign will be to: Make citizens and residents in Kuwait be always aware of the negative impact of obesity on their health and general wellbeing; Find effective ways to influence and persuade obese people to go for treatment and therapy; To come up with effective recommendations that would help check the growing problem of obesity in the country.
Some of the topics to be discussed during the Oct 27-28, 2010 Conference are: Awareness of the seriousness of obesity, its causes and consequences; The role of nutrition experts, healthcare providers and dietitians in caring for and providing treatment to solve the problem of obesity; Childhood obesity causes, consequence and treatment; The role of sports clubs, health and fitness centers in contributing to awareness in the importance and meaning of a healthy life; Decision to avoid surgical methods in the treatment of obesity; Role of religion in health awareness and teaching people responsibility in taking care of their health as a religious duty; The role of the Ministries of Information and Health in disseminating information on health education regarding obesity; and The role of the Ministry of Education to educate students in all grades and age levels about the dangers of obesity, etc.
There will also be a workshop on: “Youth Awareness on a Healthy Lifestyle”, by Youssef Al Kinai; and “A Personal Kuwaiti Experience in Fighting Obesity,” by Abd Al Karim Al Loukman.
The Arab Times