DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has tied up with Qatar University (QU) to launch a new weight management programme to help reduce the incidence of obesity in the country.
The six-month programme, Smart Weight, is for people wanting to and needing to lose weight but would also benefit from professional support and advice to achieve it.
The programme, funded by Academic Health System partnership, is designed and led by a team of healthcare professionals from HMC’s Dietetics and Nutrition Department, along with faculty from the human nutrition program and student volunteers at QU.
The Department of Health Sciences at College of Arts and Sciences at QU is heading the university initiative.
It is targeting people with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30. As part of community service, student volunteers will assist dietitians at HMC in participant registration and body measurements.
Faculty from the human nutrition programme will organise a workshop for the dietitians.
Free registration is open to all people aged between 18 and 65.
Dr Yousuf Al Maslamani, Medical Director, Hamad General Hospital (HGH), who is leading Smart Weight team, said the programme also aims to highlight lifestyle changes that can reduce health risks associated with obesity.
“If you are carrying too much weight, you could be at risk of serious health issues, such as diabetes or heart problems. The programme highlights the importance of a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen as part of an overall eating plan to help participants lose weight,” said Al Maslamani.
“This can seem daunting at first but we will provide support to participants every step of the way. With right support and advice, committed participants will be able to lose at least 10 percent of weight over six months,” he added.
Reem Al Saadi, Director, Corporate Dietetics and Nutrition, said, “We are looking for participants of all nationalities, with a BMI of 30 or more and aged between 18 and 65. Places are limited to 500 participants so that we can provide the right level of support to each, but we hope to do another six-month programme in the future where we can take in more participants.
“We will be monitoring progress and measuring the overall success of the programme,” she added.
Al Saadi said the programme is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anyone who has had weight loss surgery.
Dr Hatem El Shoubaki, HMC Project Manager, Smart Weight, said those interested can visit the registration desk in the main lobby at HGH next to the visitor’s lifts. Health information and details about the programme can be found on the website http://smartweight.hamad.qa. “The programme is free and registration is open to anyone who meets the criteria. We hope the population of Qatar will take advantage of the opportunity to lose weight with intensive support from an expert team.”
The Peninsula
