Obesity in children and pregnant women are key healthcare challenges to address among residents, say experts

Obesity in children and pregnant women are key healthcare challenges to address among residents, say experts

Dubai: Lifestyle patterns, social preferences and dietary factors have led to a significant rise in the prevalence of obesity among residents, especially in children, say experts. Speaking at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) conference conducted by Life Healthcare Group in Dubai recently, they expressed concerns regarding childhood obesity and its far-reaching effects. Presenting a paper at the conference, Dr. Nasreen Chidhara Pari, Specialist Paediatrics at Life Medical Centre, said, "Childhood obesity has a profound impact on both physical and psychological well-being. Statistics show that the rate of childhood obesity in the UAE has increased from 12 per cent to 17.4 per cent between the years 2018 to 2022. This has, in turn, led to a rise in various preventable illnesses and health risks that are becoming increasingly common in the population." With over 250 attendees, the conference focused on raising awareness about the rise of lifestyle diseases and aimed to educate medical professionals on their causes, consequences, and effective control strategies. With a comprehensive agenda featuring 20 presentations, the program covered a diverse range of topics on lifestyle diseases, with a particular focus on childhood obesity and diabetes. Commenting on the conference, Mr. Jayan K, CEO of Life Medical Centres