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UAE says no to obesity, targets teens

By IANS/WAM,

Abu Dhabi : Teenagers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who weigh over 90 kg have been asked by the government to attend anti-obesity sessions and try to lose weight through specialised programmes.

The department of health education and promotion under the ministry of health has launched a “No to Obesity” programme, which will include health awareness lectures and physical training programmes. There will also be lectures on how to prepare optimum quantities of healthy food for all meals throughout the day.

A total of 20 students aged between 15-18 years and weighing from 90-145 kg would take part in the programme, Maysoon Al Shaer, acting director of health education and promotion, said.

The programme aims to reduce the weight of the participants by one kg per week and the schedule of physical training will be before their daily lunch to guarantee the best results, she said.

However, all participants will have to undergo medical tests for diabetes and hypertension or cholesterol problems.