In its first meeting, the National UAE Taskforce on Obesity has discussed developing a joint roadmap to steer efforts and find effective ways to address obesity, in line with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and the aspirations of the UAE to become one of the best countries in the world in terms of quality of life. The meeting coincided with World Obesity Day, which falls on 4 March.
The Taskforce comprises representatives from the Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Department of Health, and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
The Taskforce is tasked with combating obesity in children from 5 to 17 years, according to the UAE government directions, and based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which outlined six key elements to treat this disease.
These elements are healthy eating, weight management, pre- and post-conception care, healthy eating and physical activity in early childhood, and healthy nutrition for school students.
Duties & responsibilities
The Taskforce is also entrusted with multi-sectoral coordination to oversee obesity-related activities to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach, based on a clear-phased action plan.
The Multisectoral Coordination team also provides a structure for the exchange of information in order to support activities between health authorities on a mutual basis. This would facilitate national coordination efforts, while having greater powers to formal procedures and formal monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities.
The Taskforce's role could be expanded to include making recommendations, preparing progress reports, and planning and implementing programs.
At the beginning of the meeting, the National Taskforce reviewed the latest reports, developments, and what has been achieved in the fight against obesity. To that end, a coalition of all actors has been formed and a roadmap highlighting three priorities for collaborative action; invest in national policy and programmes for obesity, generate research and real-world evidence on obesity, and end childhood obesity.
Supporting objectives of the national plan to combat childhood obesity
"Combating obesity is a public health priority, while treating it requires raising awareness about obesity and its complications. Therefore, the Taskforce strives to develop a way to deal with obesity, based on what has been achieved in the past years to reduce obesity in the UAE, in accordance with the activities of the initiative to promote awareness of healthy lifestyles in the community and the national agenda to combat childhood obesity," said HE Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, MoHAP.
"Building a healthy society is our ultimate goal. This requires concerted efforts between individuals, policy-makers and legislation, government and private institutions, the media, food manufacturers and suppliers, and schools. We are all required to work on developing a national standard on how to deal with obesity in order to provide comprehensive healthcare for overweight people, thus reducing the burden of disease and mitigating pressure on health facilities," added Al Rand.
Importance of data, evidence
He mentioned that all approaches to the prevention, treatment & long-term management of obesity should be data-driven and evidence-based. Obesity monitoring and surveillance allows us to keep track of obesity trends and fully understand its determinants, treatment options, economic impact, and policy consequences. Reliable data is also essential for monitoring the progress and effectiveness of programmes and interventions. Hence the importance of promoting and supporting innovative research into the causes of obesity and effective prevention and treatment strategies.
"Children with obesity are at greater risk of health complications, including the accelerated onset of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In addition to this, obesity can lead to stigmatization, bullying and poor socialization, resulting in psychological difficulties such as depression and low self-esteem. Furthermore, most children with obesity will continue to obesity in adulthood if left untreated. Therefore, the consequences of childhood obesity extend beyond health and childhood, affecting educational and future earning abilities and socioeconomic status," he concluded.