MoPH, Partners Mark World Obesity Day
QNA
Doha: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), is participating in marking of the World Obesity Day, observed annually on March 4.
This year’s theme, “Let’s Talk About Obesity”, aims to expand the conversation about obesity, highlighting its complex nature.
Director of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs at MoPH HE Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Al-Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s strong commitment to public health and well-being, highlighting the nation’s proactive and preventive stance against the escalating global obesity crisis, adding that Qatar is committed to prevention, early intervention, personalized care strategies, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, demonstrating our dedication to fostering a healthier, more vibrant future for our community.
As part of its comprehensive strategies to tackle obesity, the MoPH, in collaboration with other entities, is actively shaping policies at various levels, including the implementation of taxation measures on unhealthy food products and beverages, the promotion of physical activity in schools and workplaces, among other interventions. These efforts aim at creating an environment that supports healthy choices and behaviors, thereby reducing the prevalence of obesity and related health issues within the community, His Excellency pointed out.
Director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at HMC and Co-Chair of the National Diabetes Committee at the MoPH, Prof. Abdul Badi Abou Samra emphasized that obesity is a significant contributor to various health risks, including diabetes, cancer, and arthritis, and has been recognized, independently, as a chronic disease with devastating complications.
He added that the increasing prevalence of individuals in need of obesity management underscores the urgency of integrating obesity management into the routine care provided by primary healthcare practitioners. Effectively managing obesity is a multifaceted endeavor, requiring expertise in areas such as lifestyle modifications, knowledge of new medications, and the ability to navigate an integrated pathway between primary and secondary care services.
Senior Consultant, Family Physician and Executive Director of Operations at Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC), Dr. Samya Al Abdulla highlighted the numerous advancements in combating the obesity epidemic, stating, adding that Qatar’s healthcare system has made remarkable strides with the introduction of an integrated family medicine model and annual health checks to support screening and early identification of obesity.
Early identification facilitates patient access to a range of PHCC services including dieticians, health educators and state-of-the-art wellness centers. These services are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by committed professionals and play a crucial role in educating the public in health promotion and disease prevention. The integration of these preventive services into our healthcare system marks a shift towards a holistic, patient centered healthcare model, emphasizing the pivotal role of primary care in addressing obesity, she noted.
Clinical Director, National Obesity Treatment Centre Dr Buthaina Alowinati, discussed the importance of specialized care for severe obesity cases, noting, affirming that the National Obesity Treatment Centre (NoTC) under the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI) at HMC, provides access to advanced treatments and multidisciplinary support for those with severe obesity, acting as a key link within a broader healthcare network.
A key component of this integrated approach is the seamless pathway established with the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) which exemplifies our commitment to tackling obesity at all levels. It also underscores the critical role of medical management in not only addressing the immediate health concerns associated with severe obesity but also in fostering sustainable health improvements through ongoing care and support, she said. (QNA)
