PROPER diets and regular exercise are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle as people around the country are remote working and staying at home, urged experts.
It comes as the demand for home deliveries is growing amid the coronavirus outbreak and as the government has urged people to remain at home as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread.
Several social media campaigns have been launched to promote fitness during home quarantine including one by the Health Mates Society, which is urging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle during these extraordinary circumstances.
Society president Dr Kawther Al Eid told the GDN the new campaign was an extension of the national community initiative ‘Obesity Doesn’t Suit Me’ to combat obesity in the country.
Bahrain has the third highest obesity rates in the Gulf, a key risk factor leading to diabetes – 20 per cent among males and 38pc among females.
(L) to (R) Dr Al Eid and Ms Al Saad
Consultation
Fifteen per cent of adults in Bahrain also have a form of diabetes, according to the latest statistics.
“We have witnessed successful positive results through remote consultation and social media to combat obesity, so this campaign is an extension of that success,” said Dr Al Eid, who is also a public health consultant.
“While participants are in their own homes we communicate with them through social media platforms to answer any questions, to provide detailed programmes and also to track their progress – this proves the effectiveness of remote consultation and follow-up.”
Dr Al Eid explained that continuing physical exercise at home will encourage the entire family to take part following directives to temporarily close gyms and sports facilities and suspend classrooms indefinitely.
“People can also change the location within the house where they exercise in order to keep matters interesting such as using the garage or the rooftop, which eliminates the concept of a boring routine,” she added.
“Involving family members in the workout, while taking into account precautionary and hygiene measures, will also turn it into a social activity for the entire family to benefit from.”
Immunity
Meanwhile, clinical nutritionist Areej Al Saad, who is the society’s vice-president, emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to enhance immunity and avoid unhealthy weight gain.
“A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals must be maintained to strengthen the body through eating no less than three main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – during the day with moderate portions,” she said.
“Frozen foods, canned products as well as dried fruits and nuts ensure that a person can still intake the necessary vitamins and minerals needed, however proper storing is crucial to ensure their longevity.”
Latest statistics previously reported by the GDN show that 50pc of Bahrain’s population aged under 20 is overweight while 40pc is obese, key risk factors leading to Type 2 diabetes.
The country also spends 15pc of its healthcare budget on medicines for diabetes.
Globally, last year, diabetes affected an estimated 9.3pc of the people (463 million), rising to 10.2pc (578m) by 2030 and 10.9pc (700m) by 2045.
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