Top medics are coming together in Bahrain to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing the region by cutting back on the rising number of people suffering from obesity before it puts a massive strain on health services.
Obesity increases the risk of serious health dangers, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer.
It can also lead to musculoskeletal problems like osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and mental health issues like depression. These conditions can lead to premature death.
“Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges that we face in Bahrain and the GCC,” said Bahrain Medical Society president Dr Amer Al Derazi. “Its impact can be felt not only health-wise, but also economically and can reduce the quality of life in a country exponentially if not left unchecked.
“Therefore, it is crucial, now more than ever, to work side-by-side with other GCC countries to come up with strategies and solutions to help people struggling with the condition.”
He was speaking at the two-day eighth Gulf Obesity Surgery Society (GOSS) International Conference that opened yesterday at the Gulf Convention Centre in Manama.
“Events such as these give us all an opportunity to discuss such solutions and build relations with some of the top experts in the region so we can make a better life for people in our countries,” he added.
The major medical forum is dedicated to advancing the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery across the GCC.
It was also attended by top officials including Supreme Council for Health (SCH) chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Government Hospitals chief executive officer Dr Mariam Al Jalahma.
Dr Al Derazi addeed that the conference comes as part of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to enhance the healthcare sector of the kingdom.
Participants will conduct in-depth discussions on what drives innovation and advancements surrounding the challenges of obesity and the latest developments in bariatric procedures over the two-day period.
Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, changes the shape and function of the digestive system.
This surgery may help people lose weight and manage medical conditions related to obesity.
There are various surgical procedures, but all help limit how much food can be eaten.
Some procedures also limit the amount of nutrients absorbed.
Yesterday’s opening sessions included talks on the science of obesity, metabolic improvements, bariatric surgeries, and the link between diet and obesity-related cancer.
Today’s activities include lectures on patient selection and safety, chronic relapsing, surgical management strategies, and more.
Obesity is a major public health issue in the GCC, with rates significantly higher than the global average, driven by increased consumption of fast food, sugary drinks and sedentary lifestyles.
Kuwait reportedly has the highest rate of obesity (26 per cent male, 48pc female), followed by Saudi Arabia (28pc male, 44pc female), the UAE (25pc male, 42pc female) and Qatar (19pc male, 32pc female), and then finally Oman (8pc male, 17pc female).
According to the World Health Organisation, obesity is a ‘significant public health concern’ in Bahrain too and is increasing annually.
In 2022, 36.13 per cent of adults in Bahrain had a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and the rate has been increasing for 30 years.
The obesity rate is higher in women (38pc) compared to men (21pc).
In order to discuss these rates, the GOSS International Conference is bringing together experts in the field of bariatric medicine and other respective fields from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Egypt, Uzbekistan, the US, Pakistan and Libya.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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