The UAE is currently listed by World Health Organisation (WHO) as the 18th most obese nation in the international obesity league.

This was revealed today during the release of a report on the impact of obesity on the emotional and mental wellbeing of people in the UAE, ahead of November 26, which is being observed as Anti-obesity Day in the country. The respondents polled during the research for the report were either classed as overweight or clinically obese.

The report, which was commissioned by lifestyle organisation VLCC and conducted by healthcare organization ExHealth, said obesity significantly impacts the emotional and mental wellbeing of people. About 43 per cent of people questioned said they experienced either discrimination or ridicule over their weight.

Ayub Kalaff, developmental psychologist and Managing Director, Health Call, told Emirates Business: "Not only does obesity have a great impact on the health of a person, it also negatively impacts their self esteem, and obese people feel self-conscious and insecure. When they are in a social setting, obese people are very self-conscious of what they eat, But since they can't control their eating habits, they grow obese and remain unhappy about it.

"This low self-esteem and lack of confidence is compounded by the fact that the job market in the UAE is a very image-conscious market and most of the time companies prefer to hire people who are young, slim and beautiful. Hence, even qualified individuals who are obese find it difficult to make the cut in the job market.

"In my clinic I often get obese mid-level managers, who are aware of the fact they will never be able to make the corporate cut because they are overweight and they are desperate to do something about it.

"Not only do they suffer on the job front, they also suffer where getting dates are concerned. Many obese people, who are married, admit to having problems in relationships with their spouses. If one spouse is slim and the other is overweight, there is a problem as the slim spouse many a time does not find the partner attractive anymore.

"People often tell me their spouse gets upset about the fact that others make fun of the obese partner and wonder what a smart-looking and slim person is doing with such an overweight husband or wife. It's hard for them to get acceptance as society is very judgmental.

"Because of this they become depressed and tend to stay aloof. They lose confidence and hang out with other obese people. This compounds the problem as the company of people with similar eating habits does them more harm than good."

According to the report, 98 per cent of the respondents said their lifestyle had led them to piling on the kilos.

About 20 per cent admitted to eating fast food or takeaway meals three to four times a week, with 46 per cent agreeing that their weight had caused them to experience low mood.

About 92 per cent of people polled said they were either trying to lose weight or intended to do so in the future, while 54 per cent had been advised to do so by their doctors.

A large number of respondents were not confident they would receive adequate support – either professionally or from friends and family – when attempting a weight loss regime. About 37 per cent said they would be unable to enlist sufficient help or were unsure where they could find it.

According to WHO, 70 per cent of the UAE's population is battling obesity. With more than 250 million obese adults worldwide, WHO considers obesity as a major public health problem.

Obesity has been termed as a silent killer by WHO as nine out of 10 cases of obesity develop into diabetic cases. Some of the other health problems associated with obesity include Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, back and joint pain, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, gallstones, fatty liver, infertility, breathlessness, depression, snoring, difficulty in sleeping and excessive sweating.

Sandeep Ahuja, CEO, VLCC said: "Everyone is aware of the medical effects of being obese, with the condition causing a range of complications that include heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, But what is less documented is the emotional impact that being overweight can have on a person. The research presented today reveals 43 per cent of those questioned believe they had experienced either discrimination or ridicule over their weight."

VLCC has launched a campaign to reduce obesity in the UAE. It will organise a 'cycle-a-thon' on December 18 to promote a form of daily transport that is healthy and filled with fun.


Fitness tips

- Jogging or running for one hour at the speed of 21kmph burns 300 calories

- Cycling for one hour at the speed of 23kmph burns 200 calories

- Playing tennis for one hour burns up 110 calories

- Walking for one hour at the speed of 6kmph burns up 50 calories.


You can prevent obesity at home 

- Always start the day with a healthy breakfast 

- Make sure you have healthy snacks on hand such as carrot sticks, fresh juices and chopped fruits 

- Aim to eat five fruits and vegetables every day 

- Plan family outings that involve outdoor activities such as walking, biking and a walk around the mall 

- Try to get between 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily 

- At mealtime make sure to savour each mouthful as it takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full 

- Teach your children the importance of portion control

- Do not shop when you are hungry and buy only non-fattening food

- Make small portions of food appear larger by using a small plate or by spreading the food

- Keep high-calorie items in places that are hard to reach 

- Do not think just because you are eating low-fat/low-calorie food, you can eat all you want. The calories still add up

- Do not stock your house with junk food 

- Make sure you drink more water and less sweetened drinks

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