March 28th, 2018; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE:   Hundreds of participants across the UAE convert to a healthy lifestyle as the Biggest Loser Challenge initiated by RAK Hospital last month gains further momentum. Now half way in its journey, the 10-week contest has been a huge success, motivating UAE residents to lose weight, backed by constant encouragement and practical guidance by the Hospital medical staff. The enthusiasm level has been further boosted by weekly tips and advice given by RAK Hospital specialists on a group social networking platforms, besides catering to personal queries with regards to diet and exercise. For further engagement, the Hospital will be organizing live Yoga classes and diet and exercise demonstrations on March 31st and April 14th. Based on the weight, height and BMI recorded at the time of registration, one-third of the participants were found to be severely obese, while more than 33 percent were obese and around 28 percent were in the mild obese category. 

 

The Biggest Loser Challenge commenced on February 17th and will end on April 28th. Open to the UAE residents over the age of 18, the contest promises exciting prizes for winners including annual gym vouchers and health and spa packages. One winner each from men and women will be awarded cash prize of AED500 for every kilo lost up to 10 kilos. Runners up will receive cash prize of AED 2000. 

 

Commenting on the campaign, Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director, RAK Hospital said: “We are extremely encouraged and happy with the response this campaign has generated. Already we can see the excitement and motivation among the participants who have lost weight, and we hope that these 10 weeks will help them realize the importance of keeping fit. This could possibly be the turning point in the lives of hundreds of UAE residents who participated, and they can be an example for many others who need the drive to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The UAE needs more of such innovative and interactive campaigns to create awareness about wise lifestyle choices”.

 

RAK Hospital’s CEO Dr Jean Marc Gauer added: “We have seen an alarming rise in obesity world over and situation in the UAE is no different. A recent research even claims that millennials – babies born between early 1980s and mid-1990s – are the most overweight generation on record, with 70 percent most likely to be overweight or obese when over the age of 30. This alone should give a clear picture of where we’re heading, and we need to take active measures to reverse this scenario. The statistics acquired through the Biggest Loser Challenge also gives a general picture of the obesity level in the UAE with one-third population being overweight”. 

 

With focus on creating a healthier society in the UAE, RAK Hospital has been a driving force behind a number of interactive and inclusive health campaigns. The aim is to create awareness regarding chronic diseases and help UAE residents make informed decisions on the health and lifestyle matters with a long-term approach.