Muscat: The Ministry of Health recently launched the Oman Obesity Briefing Book – an important document that has been developed as a collaboration between the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre (NDEC), the Department of Non-Communicable Disease, the Department of Nutrition, the Oman Diabetes Association, and Novo Nordisk, a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company.

The launch took place through a Hybrid event, with a number of representatives, renowned health practitioners, and industry leaders from the Ministry of health in attendance.

In his welcome address, H.E, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Obaid Al Saidi, Minister of Health, said: “Oman faces a growing rise in the burden of obesity among its population. More than half of the Omani population are now overweight or obese with 30 per cent of the population having a BMI of more than 30. These figures showed a rise in the prevalence of obesity in Oman since the last survey in 2008, especially amongst women.

“There is increasing recognition worldwide that overweight and obesity are not only problems of individuals but also the society-wide problem of populations. This devastating epidemic affects the life of the individual and is devastating in terms of the economic impact both in terms of the cost of treating people and the loss of productivity.

“With the events over the past year or so, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the true significance of the obesity epidemic becomes more and more apparent.

“The causes of obesity are complex but one of the key drivers is in the way we eat and how much we move, which is changing dramatically. As a result of changes in our environment, unhealthy processed food and the technology that promote sedentary lifestyles has become more readily available. Unfortunately, convenience has led us to adopt an unhealthy lifestyle which in turn has led to obesity.

“Even though there is no simple or single solution to the obesity epidemic, if we are to fight this escalating crisis in our societies, a coordinated response that goes beyond the health sector is crucial. Only through the engagement in multisector dialogues and relentless commitment to work together on reducing the burden of obesity can we promote health and prevent disease.

“The importance of population-based changes in the socio-environmental variables that influence energy intake and expenditure cannot be stressed enough. Marketing restrictions, dietary guidelines, policies that focus on improving environments like schools & workplaces are only but some of the many interventions that should stop the drastic spreading of obesity,” H.E, Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi added.

Commenting on the importance of generating obesity awareness, H.E, Mr. Ole Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark to KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman & Yemen, said: “It is vital to combat the impact of this epidemic disease in the Sultanate of Oman and the MENA region at large. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that affects more than 650 million people around the world. An essential part of this initiative is in line with our commitment to developing partnerships to develop and implement practical solutions around to address the obesity challenge.”

Dr Akin Aksekili, Vice President of Novo Nordisk Gulf, emphasized the global burden of obesity, stating: “At Novo Nordisk, our long-term vision is to combat obesity among societies. We are committed to improving the understanding and management of obesity in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. By increasing awareness of obesity, and implementing population-based obesity prevention approaches and strategies, we will enable and empower individuals to take control of their health. This way, they can achieve better well-being, social and economic development and quality of life. We want to support individuals suffering from obesity to be able to start anew and be healthier.”

Dr Noor Al Busaidi, Director of National Diabetes and Endocrine Center, gave an in-depth overview of the Oman Obesity Briefing book and commented: “This briefing book seeks to inform policymakers, healthcare professionals and the general public of the serious and widespread health challenge of obesity in Oman by highlighting its impact on society and individuals. The book also aims to emphasize opportunities for the prevention and management of obesity as a disease as well as showcase initiatives that have been introduced in Oman to address this issue.”

In 2019, Oman hosted the World Obesity Regional Conference on Women and Child First, and the Gulf Obesity Surgical Society’s sixth annual obesity conference.

These events signal that the health community in Oman is committed to addressing the issue of obesity for vulnerable groups and ensuring treatment for people with severe obesity. However, until obesity is recognized as a serious chronic disease, treatment options are likely to remain limited, despite the substantial impact that obesity can have on the quality of life for individuals and the capacity of healthcare systems.

The virtual event concluded with final remarks by Dr Ahmed Magdy; Head of Patient Access and Public Affairs Department of Novo Nordisk.