Obesity is a major cause of NCDs (Non Communicable Diseases) which account for 76% of all deaths in the UAE

Dubai, UAE, 13 June, 2018:   Zulekha Hospital has announced the results of its ‘Lose More Win More’ campaign which is an employee drive designed to raise awareness on the importance of combatting obesity in UAE. The campaign involved an employee challenge to lose weight with monetary prizes as an incentive.

The programme is aimed at fighting obesity in line with the UAE’s national agenda which includes 10 specific health goals to be achieved by 2021, five of which are related to Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs): tackling CVD (Cardiovascular Diseases), diabetes, cancer, obesity and smoking. 

According to WHO (World Health Organization), obesity is a major cause of NCDs which account for 76% of all deaths in the UAE equating to 11,600 every year. Staggeringly, there is almost a one in five chance of dying prematurely – between the age of 30 and 70 – from one of these largely avoidable conditions.*

“Tackling obesity as a major cause for common diseases was the main purpose of the campaign which caters not only to spread a healthy lifestyle across Zulekha Hospital employees, but also to the wider UAE community. We’ve witnessed an exciting journey by those who challenged themselves to lose weight and gain self-confidence in the process, achieve better health, as well as receiving motivational prizes,” said Taher Shams, managing director of Zulekha Healthcare Group.

The Lose More Win More campaign comprised of four rounds, periodic monitoring for participants and nutritionist advisory visits. 
Pratheesh Raj,  P - OT - Staff Nurse at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah and the winner of the 1st prize, added: “When I took up the challenge, it seemed impossible and difficult to stick to the action plan to achieve my weight loss goal. After I lost two to three kilos, I was more confident that I was able do it. I was motivated to continue my healthy diet and other healthy practices that led to the loss of 16 kilos eventually. I realized I was more energetic and that in itself is a wonderful feeling. Many of my colleagues were motivated to adapt some of my new healthy practices after seeing my results, and it made a positive difference to the team as a whole.”

Jane Frances Chidamba, the winner of the 2nd prize from the Nursing Team in Zulekha  Hospital Sharjah, commented after achieving a remarkable weight loss:

“Such positive initiatives are welcomed by all employees. I am very happy I was able to lose over 15.5 kilos during a six month period with the support of the programme and my colleagues – I am now much more confident. The prize money itself was motivating for sure, but being able to give back to oneself and take care of my body became more important as we went through this experience.”

Commending the willpower of all participants Mrs. Nafeesa Ahmed, Director of Nutrition and Lifestyle Management in Zulekha Hospital says, “Most participants lost over 10 kilos in the campaign period and it is heartening to see their enthusiasm during their weight loss journey. We are keen to launch this campaign year on year and encourage a culture of health consciousness within the organisation. Diet plays a very significant role in shaping one’s identity. We all must be extra cautious of what foods we intake.”