DUBAI, 29 June 2007 — People in Dubai are being encouraged to walk as part of a program launched by Dubai police to help keep officers in physical shape and tackle the growing number of obese people in the UAE.
As part of the program, which is being run under the slogan “10,000 Steps,” step counters are being distributed to members of the public. Individuals are encouraged to walk 10,000 steps (the equivalent of 6.5 kilometers) a day.
The program, which was launched a few months ago, hopes to instill a culture of walking in the public and is part of the Sheikh Mohammed ibn Rashid Al-Maktoum Sports Program.
“We at the police department have a duty to keep our personnel in good health. So this is one of the initiatives to help them become healthy,” said Brig. Al-Marri, deputy director of the Community Relations Department at Dubai Police.
“We’re encouraging employees to walk to other employees’ desks instead of making a phone call, climb the stairs instead of using the elevator, park their cars far and walk rather than parking them close. These are all small lifestyle changes that would help people do more physical activities per day. So they will slowly change their habits to become more healthy,” he said.
The police decided to focus on walking which is considered one of the most underrated exercises and yet one of the most effective. According to Al-Marri, it is the best starting point for anyone who has not moved properly in ages.
Studies have shown that regular brisk walking can lower cholesterol levels, stimulate blood circulation, strengthen the heart, help control weight, reduce high blood pressure, stress and depression, prevent osteoporosis, and develop strength, stamina and endurance, said Al-Marri.
He added that the police decided to take action after figures from the UAE’s Ministry of Health revealed that the country has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, higher than the US. A sedentary lifestyle and easy access to food high in fat and calories are the main causes of obesity in the UAE, which also has one of the highest rates of diabetes, one of many obesity-related diseases, with an estimated one in five adults affected.
This is a difficult problem with many serious effects on the individual and the country, said Al-Marri. Obesity in the UAE, according to health experts, can be divided into three main causes — diet, lifestyle and education.
Nationals and expatriates are eating more and more high-carbohydrate, high-cholesterol burgers and pizzas in fast-food restaurants.
This is especially evident among the younger generations. Compounding to the problem is the fact that some traditional foods are very oily, and because of increasing affluence are eaten more often than in the past.
Lifestyle is a second main cause of obesity. Society’s attitude to food often leads to over-consumption. Parents do not teach good eating habits to children, and many people lack knowledge about good nutrition or a balanced diet.
