Under the theme: "Treat Obesity now and Avoid the Consequences Later" the Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the Directorate General of Primary Healthcare, Department of Health Education & Awareness Programs (HEAP) celebrated recently the World Obesity Day which marks on October 11 each year.

The celebration held under the patronage of Dr. Noor Al-Busaiydiah, Director of National Endocrine & diabetic Center and Head of the Omani Society for Diabetes at the Omani Women Association, AlQurum.

Dr. Amira Al-Ridan, HEAP Director stressed in her speech the Ministry believes in the importance of awareness to prevent the chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, mental diseases and other related diseases. She also pointed out that obesity is currently considered as one of the age diseases and a type of malnutrition and morbidity phenomenon, especially in the developing countries. Dr. Al-Ridan added that obesity does not affect adults only, but also to children, as the research proved the relation of obesity in childhood and in old age.

Dr. Laila Agha, nutritionist and international trainer from Kuwait talked about the nutritional treatment for weight gain and obesity, as well as the prevention strategies through focusing on the three daily meals. 

The celebration included awareness lectures on methods and recipes of healthy cooking, physical activity and psychological relaxation methods.

On the sidelines of the celebration, an awareness-raising exhibition on obesity was held educating children on fast food, as well as reducing playing video games for long times.