The Diet Center launches ‘Eat Healthy Q8’ initiative
‘Childhood obesity issue impacts families’
KUWAIT CITY, April 14: The Diet Center, represented by Mrs Suzan Wazan Jabri, Head of Dietitians Department and founder of The Diet Center, in collaboration with ARGANA Hotels and Resorts, today announced the launch of Kuwait’s nationwide initiative at a press conference held at the C-Club. Eat Healthy Q8 is the first initiative that aims to spread awareness about the health risks posed by obesity and the importance of adapting a healthy and active lifestyle among children. The initiative focuses on controlling the growing number of overweight children as well as improving their habits with the help of their parents and schools.
Overweight
The one-month initiative aims to gather 30 overweight children from 10 different schools across Kuwait and to enroll them in the Eat Healthy Q8 program. Children will have the chance to learn about the benefits of proper eating habits and exercise with the help of personal dietitians and trainers. The children’s diet plans will be provided by The Diet Center Kuwait based on their weight, body mass index, physical and medical status. Physical training will be supervised by Kuwait C-Club trainers. In addition, doctors from Royale Hayat hospital will conduct tests to assure the children’s medical status, and accordingly the Children will be provided with a specialized diet program from the Diet Center. A specialized pediatrician will be present to provide the necessary healthcare for children throughout the program.
“Kuwait was recently ranked as the second country in the world to suffer from obesity and the numbers continue to increase. It is no surprise that we are seeing a growing number of obese children. Childhood obesity is an issue that impacts families, but also has an effect on the country as a whole.” said Khaled Al Mashaan, Chairman and Managing Director of Alargan International Real Estate company (AIREC) and platinum sponsor of Eat Healthy Q8”. Investing heavily in medical spending to combat obesity-related illnesses and diseases drains out economic strength, creating a burden on our nation’s healthcare budget. Our role as part of the private sector is to curb the growing trend of childhood obesity in Kuwait and teach our children to live a healthy lifestyle. Al Argan’s participation at the Eat Healthy Q8 initiative comes as part of its continuous efforts to support social responsibility initiatives and contribute to what is important to the members of our community. “
During the event, special guest speakers from the Ministry of Health, the Public Administration for Private Education, the Ministry of Education and the International Organization for Immigration presented their views and shared their insights on the growing health and obesity epidemic.
“I would like to reinforce the importance of shedding light on this pressing subject. Child obesity is not an easy subject to address in our culture, but steps must be taken immediately to adapt new and healthy habits for the sake of our nation and the future of our children.” Said Mrs Amani Alsaleh, Director of House Hold Management in the Ministry of Education She also emphasized on the collaborative roles of the Ministry of Education and the Diet Center to raise awareness through this program.
In a speech from Abdullah Ali Basri, Director of Educational Affairs — General Administration of Privet Education in the Ministry of Education said: “The problem of obesity in children is a national, the dangers and diseases that are accompanied pose a real threat to the health of our children”.
He added: “We need a revolution on our current food culture, and all the efforts must be united to combat this scourge that kills the children of our country, and I am here to extend my sincere thanks for organizers of the initiative and thank them for their sense of nationalism”.
Obesity
The Eat Healthy Q8 initiative aims to fight childhood obesity and the diseases triggered by this health issue. Obesity is a major cause of heart problems, diabetes, and depression and may lead to cancer. The Eat Healthy Q8 initiative firmly believes in the advantages of early education and the importance of molding and mentoring children in order for them to start living a healthier lifestyle.
Diet Center extends its gratitude to all supporters of the Eat Healthy Q8 initiative: Alargan International Real Estate company (AIREC), Abyat, Gulf Insurance, Al Ahly United Bank, V-Max Group, Aly Abdul Wahab Al Mutawwa, Four Films, and media partners who helped spread the word among members of our community.