11 April 2008
KUWAIT - The Farwaniya government polyclinics, in association with the Ministry of Health are hosting a competition to highlight the rising rate of type 2 diabetes as a result of obesity. Together they have created a weight loss program inspired by the American TV show "Biggest Loser." The competition will take place over the course of 2-1/2 months, beginning in April and concluding in June when the Biggest Loser will receive a grand prize. During the competition participants will come to the polyclinics for regular check-ups and weigh-ins to measure their progress. The competition is open to the public of the Farwaniya region, but may be expanding across all of Kuwait.
Obesity rates in the country, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) are some of the highest in the world. Over 75% of the male population over 30 years of age is overweight, meaning they have a BMI (Body Mass Index, a measurement of obesity), over 25 and approximately 85% of women over the age of 30 have a BMI greater than 25. The healthy range for BMI measurements is between 18 and 25, while anything over 25 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 would qualify that person as obese.
The Biggest Loser program will begin on April 9 with registration at the Ferdous Polyclinic, which is under the direction of Dr Homod Elzo'aby.
Once registered, participants will have their BMI measured, a measurement of obesity based on height and weight. Also available was blood sugar and blood pressure testing. These initial measurements will be used as a benchmark for each person's progress throughout the competition. Follow-up appointments will be held on April 23 at the Omariya Clinic, under the direction of Dr Abeer Elfadl, May 8 at the Andalous Clinic, under the direction of Dr Fatma Elkhargy, May 22 at the Rabia Clinic, under ther direction of Dr Fatma Elsultan and finally, for the final measurement participants will return to the Ferdous Clinic on June 5, where the winner will be announced and the prize awarded to Farwaniya's Biggest Loser.
KUWAIT - The Farwaniya government polyclinics, in association with the Ministry of Health are hosting a competition to highlight the rising rate of type 2 diabetes as a result of obesity. Together they have created a weight loss program inspired by the American TV show "Biggest Loser." The competition will take place over the course of 2-1/2 months, beginning in April and concluding in June when the Biggest Loser will receive a grand prize. During the competition participants will come to the polyclinics for regular check-ups and weigh-ins to measure their progress. The competition is open to the public of the Farwaniya region, but may be expanding across all of Kuwait.
Obesity rates in the country, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) are some of the highest in the world. Over 75% of the male population over 30 years of age is overweight, meaning they have a BMI (Body Mass Index, a measurement of obesity), over 25 and approximately 85% of women over the age of 30 have a BMI greater than 25. The healthy range for BMI measurements is between 18 and 25, while anything over 25 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 would qualify that person as obese.
The Biggest Loser program will begin on April 9 with registration at the Ferdous Polyclinic, which is under the direction of Dr Homod Elzo'aby.
Once registered, participants will have their BMI measured, a measurement of obesity based on height and weight. Also available was blood sugar and blood pressure testing. These initial measurements will be used as a benchmark for each person's progress throughout the competition. Follow-up appointments will be held on April 23 at the Omariya Clinic, under the direction of Dr Abeer Elfadl, May 8 at the Andalous Clinic, under the direction of Dr Fatma Elkhargy, May 22 at the Rabia Clinic, under ther direction of Dr Fatma Elsultan and finally, for the final measurement participants will return to the Ferdous Clinic on June 5, where the winner will be announced and the prize awarded to Farwaniya's Biggest Loser.
© Arab Times 2008
