Women more obese than men

The number of obese women is higher than men in the Sultanate of Oman, according to a study conducted by the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The high level of obesity among women is seen in their reproductive years, as reported in the Oman National Nutrition Survey (ONNS).

The study suggests that as much as 40.9 per cent of women are obese, while 28.2 per cent are men. About two-thirds (66 per cent) of the population was overweight or lived with obesity with BMI≥25.

"The national survey has found that nationals had a much higher prevalence of obesity which is 35.2 per cent and obesity is seen mostly among women than men'', said Dr Noor al Busaidy, Director of National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, adding that "in addition to this, most Omani women found to be obese are in their prime, reproductive ages."

Speaking on the sidelines of the official agreement entered into by the MoH and Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf and Danish Embassy to partner and collaborate to develop and establish Oman obesity clinical practice guidelines which will guide healthcare professionals on how to proactively and efficiently engage in the management of obesity, experts suggested that the sedentary lifestyle and addiction to technological gadgets have been found to be the major reasons behind such a surge in the number of obese people.

The two projects, which will not only help in greater understanding of the epidemic in the country, but will also provide healthcare professionals an evidence-based principles of chronic disease management, were launched by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Health, in the presence of Ole Emil Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark to the Sultanate of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen.

Also in attendance were Dr Noor al Busaidy, Dr Venkat Kalyan, Vice-President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf and Dr Ahmed Magdy, Director of Patient Access and Public Affairs at Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf.

"Obesity takes a toll not only on the well-being of individuals, but also on the well-being of societies; it puts strain on the society as a whole'', said Dr Al Saeedi.

"Over the past two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the global issue that is the obesity epidemic. Poor nutrition coupled with technology that enables a sedentary lifestyle has been linked with a rise in the disease."

"As society's poor lifestyle habits and choices today leave their imprint on those who follow, the burden grows heavier. Therefore, it is imperative that regional and local barriers to obesity prevention and treatment are addressed urgently, and that they are addressed in such a way that they do not increase weight discrimination and stigma'', he adds.

Obesity and overweight are the villains behind almost 195 health impairments and a major risk factors in chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer.

"Obesity must be recognised as a complex, multifactorial chronic condition requiring long-term management solutions'', said Dr Ahmed Magdy.

Marking milestones in obesity management, a clinical treatment pathway for obesity is being established and clinical guidelines are being developed to support healthcare decision making in the coming days.

@kabeeryousef