Study: 60% of school students in Hatta obese

Around 60 per cent of students surveyed in four schools in Hatta are obese or overweight, a survey conducted by the Obesity and Weight Management Clinic in Hatta Hospital found.

The survey also found that lack of exercise was the main cause of obesity among the children.

The UAE has a high prevalence of obesity in the country and, as per 2012 World Health Organisation statistics, it is tenth on a list of countries with the most overweight people.

According to a United Nations Children Fund survey in 2013, one in three children in the UAE suffers from obesity.

For this reason, Hatta Hospital opened a dedicated obesity and weight management clinic in 2013.

Dr Kathija Mahmoud, senior physician, Internal Medicine, said that in order to learn more about the increasing prevalence of obesity among children, the clinic conducted a survey in four schools.

“The survey found that around 60 per cent suffered from obesity or overweight issues and the main reason for this was attributed to lack of exercise. In today’s day and age, children are increasingly choosing to watch TV and video games over playing outside and taking part in sports and this leads to gaining weight.”

Weight management

The survey also found that children do not drink enough water and instead prefer fizzy drinks and juices. Dr Mahmoud said that the clinic has been campaigning to raise awareness about the importance of drinking water.

“The clinic is working on fighting obesity by providing customised weight management plans including weight-loss techniques, dietary plans, exercise programmes, as well as advice on behaviour modification,” she said. Dr Mahmoud said the clinic is launching campaigns to educate children and parents.