The 10-week long “RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge” commences from February 17th and ends on April 28th, with fabulous prizes for the ‘biggest losers’
Winners to get Dhs 500 for each kg lost
Open to all RAK residents over 18 years of age
At least 70 per cent of men and 67 per cent of women aged 15 years and older considered overweight in the UAE

February 13, 2018; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE:   Continuing its drive towards a fit and healthy UAE, RAK Hospital, in association with Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ras Al Khaimah, has announced the launch of the “RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge” in the emirate. Open to all RAK residents over the age of 18, the 10-week challenge will commence from February 17th and end on April 28th, 2018, with fabulous prizes for winners who will lose the maximum amount of weight. Residents can get themselves registered for the contest at RAK Hospital on February 17th. 

The campaign was inaugurated by Ms. Fatema Saeed Al Shehhi, Head of Health Education, RAK Medical District, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ras Al Khaimah, in the presence of dignitaries from RAK Hospital. 

'Ras Al Khaimah Medical District, represented by the Department of Health Education and Promotion has associated with RAK Hospital to organize the RAK Biggest Loser. This association falls within the framework of the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s strategy to provide innovative and sustainable methods to provide comprehensive and integrated health care and to implement the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda that includes reducing obesity. The initiative is supervised by government and private community and aims to enable society members to make positive changes to prevent obesity risks and help them gradually change to a healthy lifestyle. It will also help participants to improve their healthy eating habits, which will allow them to reach and maintain an ideal weight. The initiative also includes a 10-week follow-up plan to reach and maintain the positive changes in the individuals’ life,” said Fatema Saeed Al Shehhi.

Obesity is among the growing health concerns in the UAE, with at least 70 per cent of men and 67 per cent of women aged 15 years and older considered overweight. Globally, it is a leading preventable cause of death, and regarded as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. News reports also state that world over, obesity is the fastest growing global risk, and one in five deaths are the result of the condition. In the UAE, unhealthy eating habits, socio economic factors, and a disregard for an active lifestyle all contribute towards growing obesity.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director, RAK Hospital, said, “The main aim is to motivate UAE residents to re-route their dietary and exercise habits so that they lead a healthier lifestyle eventually. We would specially like to encourage people with a higher BMI to participate in the event with the hope that the initiative will be first step towards a fit and healthy you. Ten weeks is a long time to build a habit, and I’m confident that once people experience the value of a healthy life, they will never go back to their old ways”.

At the time of registration the doctors at the hospital will record participants’ weight, height and BMI and blood pressure. At the conclusion of the competition, RAK Hospital will invite all participants to visit the premises for weight calculation to draw a comparison from the original records. Participants will also be provided with weekly weight-recording sheets. Surgical weight loss will not be allowed. One participant each from male and female categories will be awarded with the cash prize. Making every kilo count, the winners will be decided depending on maximum weight loss, with Dhs 500 awarded for every kilo the two participants lose. Besides cash prizes, winners also have a chance to win six annual gym vouchers and annual health packages and spa vouchers at RAK Hospital. 

“It’s a win-win situation, when you think about it,” added Dr Jean Marc Gauer, CEO, RAK Hospital, “The very fact that you will shed a few kilos is in itself a huge achievement, and I hope that the motivation lives on long after the contest gets over. Through this exercise, we want to practically convey how a healthy lifestyle can have a positive influence on our bodies, psyche and productivity. We are all aware of the perils of obesity and the fact that it is the root cause of many diseases, both mental and physical; yet we tend to ignore its affect, and this is what needs to be addressed head on.” 

Thanking the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ras Al Khaimah, Dr Yasmin Shaikh, Group Marketing Head, Arabian Healthcare Group said: “We at RAK Hospital would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the MoHAP, RAK, especially to Ms Fatema Saeed Al Shehhi, for being with us today, as we take our fight against obesity to a new level”. 

RAK Hospital recently ran the Blue Ring Challenge, encouraging residents across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to assess their diabetic health and take proactive measures to improve it. The hospital has a number of CSR and awareness campaigns under its belt with the aim to improve the health quotient of the UAE population.