Get Dh500 richer for every kilo you lose
ras al khaimah — It now pays to work out. Literally. A 10week fitness challenge announced on Tuesday will see residents rewarded Dh500 for every kilo they lose.
The ‘RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge’ — open to all Ras Al Khaimah residents over the age of 18 — will run from February 17 to April 28. Residents can register themselves for the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) challenge at RAK Hospital.
At least 70 per cent of men and 67 per cent of women aged 15 years and older are considered overweight in the UAE.
Fatema Saeed Al Shehhi, head of health education, RAK medical district, MoHAP, said the initiative will help address obesity risks and encourage people towards a healthy lifestyle.
ras al khaimah — Want to be fit and make money? You can get Dh500 per every kilogramme you lose, by simply participating in a 10-week fitness challenge colaunched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the RAK hospital.
The ‘RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge’ — open to all RAK residents over the age of 18 — will run between February 17 to April 28.
While fabulous prizes await the winners who lose the maximum weight, residents can register themselves for the contest at RAK Hospital. At least 70 per cent of men and 67 per cent of women aged 15 years and older are considered overweight in the UAE.
Fatema Saeed Al Shehhi, head of Health Education, RAK Medical District, MoHAP, said the initiative is to prevent obesity risks and encourage people towards a healthy lifestyle. “It will also help participants to improve their eating habits, allowing them to reach and maintain an ideal weight.”
Obesity is reportedly among the growing health concerns in the UAE, with at least 70 per cent of men and 67 per cent of women aged 15 years and older considered overweight, she added. “Globally, it is a leading preventable cause of death and regarded as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century.”
News reports also state that worldover, obesity is the fastest growing global risk and one in five deaths are the result of the condition, she pointed out. “In the UAE, unhealthy eating habits, socioeconomic factors and a disregard for an active lifestyle all contribute towards growing obesity,” Al Shehhi added.
Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO of Arabian Healthcare Group and executive director of RAK Hospital, said the main aim is to motivate UAE residents to re-route their dietary and exercise habits towards a healthier lifestyle. “We would specially like to encourage people with higher BMI to participate in the event — the initiative will be first step towards a fit and healthy you.” At the time of registration, the doctors will record the participants’ weight, height, BMI and blood pressure. When the competition concludes, RAK Hospital will invite all participants to visit the premises for weight calculation, to draw a comparison from the original records. “Participants will also be provided with weekly weightrecording sheets. Surgical weight loss will not be allowed. One participant each, from the male and female categories, will be awarded with the cash prize.”
Dr Yasmin Shaikh, group marketing head of Arabian Healthcare Group, said the winners will be decided depending on maximum weight loss, with Dh500 awarded for every kg the participants lose.
“Besides cash prizes, winners also have a chance to win six annual gym vouchers, health packages and spa vouchers from RAK Hospital.” Dr Jean Marc Gauer, CEO of RAK Hospital, hoped that the motivation to lose weight will live on long after the contest is over. “Through this exercise, we want to practically convey how a healthy lifestyle can have a positive influence on our body, psyche and productivity.”
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com