LACK of physical exercise during the pandemic could contribute to a rise in non-communicable diseases, warned a senior health official.
Health Ministry nutrition section chief Dr Marwa Hussain has highlighted the need for a balanced lifestyle alongside physical activity and healthy diet to ensure obesity and diabetes rates in the country do not increase.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 75 per cent of global fatalities, with a prevalence of obesity in GCC countries among children and adolescents in recent years.
According to studies, obesity ranges from 5pc to 14pc in males and from 3pc to 18pc in females in Gulf countries.
Meanwhile, in adult females there is a significant increase of obesity, with a prevalence of 2pc to 55pc compared with 1pc to 30pc in adult males.
“NCDs contribute to 75pc of deaths, which is also applicable to the region, from across all ages and as we know they form the high immune-risk category during Covid-19,” said Dr Hussain.
“Therefore, diet and lifestyle is important and it is best advised to practise a balanced and organised living pattern to curb the risks.
“I have seen there are two types of people with regard to physical exercise during the pandemic; one group has given up on any kind of exercise as they stay at home, while the other group which has taken serious interest in the aspect of exercise.
“Studies are yet to conclude the results of the impact of lack of physical exercise during the pandemic, but yes, it is important to bear in mind that a sedentary lifestyle is not helpful.”
She was speaking yesterday during a webinar on women’s health, which was organised by the Indian Ladies Association (ILA).
It was the second edition of the webinar series and focused on the topic ‘Nutrition and Obesity Prevention in Women’.
“When we are talking about managing obesity and overweight, it is not just about reducing weight but it is about overall health of a person,” explained Dr Hussain.
“The key to effective weight loss is consistency; the best diet is one which you can stick to in the long term.”
However, she cautioned on the need to conduct proper research before venturing into any weight loss programme.
She also highlighted various axes of successful weight management, including reducing energy density, providing portion control, improving diet control, behavioural modification, physical activity, and consultation with doctors and nutritionists.
Meanwhile, ILA president Reena Sreedhar told the GDN that the session was part of a series of initiatives by the association during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is the second such talk on health topics while we also had another forum on women empowerment in the past,” she said.
Support
“Our aim is to reach out to the community and be as supportive as we can through various activities, including supplying dry ration to the needy and providing tickets to those eligible to travel home among others.
“We also soon host women entrepreneurs who will showcase their creations online.”
ILA, which is the oldest registered expat women’s association in Bahrain, is a non-profit organisation that has been at the forefront of volunteering and fundraising efforts in the Indian community.
It also started Sneha in 1987 with the aim of providing support for children with special needs.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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