Kims Oman provides expert guidance on obesity management

MUSCAT: Obesity is a disease as classified by the American Medical Association. Medical authorities fear obesity is widespread in Oman, as an earlier study revealed that 667,809 Omanis are overweight and, of great concern, 445,206 are obese.

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat accumulated begins to cause negative effects on health. Clinically, an individual is considered obese, if the Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30 kg/m2. BMI is a measurement obtained by dividing body weight by the square of the height.

Obesity is more common in women than men and it’s worthwhile to note that, according to a study conducted in 2014, 37.7% of Omani women are obese.

Jishy Seby, Specialist – Nutrition & Dietetics at Kims Oman Hospital said, “Many of the factors that cause obesity are widely known, like excessive food intake, lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility. A few cases are caused primarily by genes, endocrine disorders, medications or mental illness.”

Obesity can effectively be prevented by adopting lifestyle changes – diet changes and regular exercise. Diet quality can be improved by reducing the consumption of high energy foods, such as those high in fat and sugars, and by increasing the intake of dietary fiber. Good diet which includes fresh fruits, vegetables with lots of water intake and keeping away junk foods, juices, soft drinks is the key to healthy weight management.

Diet changes may produce weight loss over a short period of time. But maintaining that weight loss requires continuous exercise and permanent low calorie diet. It is also important to understand that the combination of diet control and exercise is more relevant at the initial stage of obesity.

Childhood obesity often persists into adulthood and is associated with numerous chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and fatty liver.

“Gradual weight loss is always advised rather than a rapid loss in a short term. Rapid weight loss can lead to health issues. Professionally planned weight loss with reduced calorie intake and exercise over a period of time has proven beneficial to many obesity patients. If diet, exercise, and medication are not effective, bariatric surgery may be considered, which is done to achieve weight loss with a long term goal,” Jishy added.

Kims Oman Hospital, under the guidance of specialist Jishy Seby, offers professional advice on the course of action to be followed for weight loss. Jishy has completed her Masters in Food Science & Nutrition from India, Level 4 HACCP certified from High Field Awarding Body of Compliance (HFABC) U.K, published various articles and delivered talks on nutrition and related topics.