JEDDAH, 2 July — As part of Jeddah 22, the Ministry of Health Primary HealthCare department (PHC) in Jeddah is organizing an obesity awareness week entitled “Lose weight ... gain health” — which started on Thursday 28 June 2001.
Taking place daily during the evening, the awareness campaign, which is sponsored by Roche pharmaceuticals, features information stands in three major shopping centers in Jeddah namely Hera’ International Market, Jeddah International Market and Jamjoom Center.
The stands offer an unprecedented opportunity for the public to have their Body Mass Index (BMI) measured by specialists from Roche.
BMI is considered to be ideal way of measuring overweight and obesity. Also, free information leaflets on obesity and treatment will be distributed, with tips about weight management and ways to maintain an ideal weight and eventually good health. Dr. Talal Ikram, assistant director of Health Affairs at PHC in Jeddah, comments: “We are pleased to organize this event, in association with Roche pharmaceuticals to raise awareness on the risk factors of obesity, which leads to other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardio-vascular diseases and high blood cholesterol. We hope that through this campaign; we will be able to convey our message that obesity is not a shape-up or appearance issue anymore, but is regarded as one of today’s most common diseases.” “Over the past ten years, independent has research revealed a significant increase in the number of obese and overweight people in the Saudi community. Obesity is considered to be the second most important preventable cause of death. Individuals suffering from overweight or obesity need to follow a certain diet and undertake exercise, based on medical consultation.”
This campaign is expected to be well-received by the Saudi public, who will be invited to visit the stands located in the three shopping malls, get their BMI measured and to receive information and guidance about obesity and the appropriate ways of treatment. The event will run for one week and will come to a close on Friday 6 July 2001.
