Forty-six individuals have declared war on obesity as they bid to live a healthier lifestyle for more than two months to pick up prizes for their endeavours in an annual contest.
The fifth edition of the popular ‘Biggest Winner’ contest has started with citizens and residents from different age groups residing in the Northern Governorate taking part.
Launch
This year, for the first time, 10 people with autism will be participating as part of co-operation between the Northern Governorate and the Bahrain Autistic Society.
“We are excited to announce the launch of the fifth edition of the ‘Biggest Winner’ contest this summer in which 46 people from different age groups, male and female, are participating,” said Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor.
He said they have partnered with Bahrain Autistic Society, Health Mates Society and a representative from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Bahrain office.
“All participants will be provided health and psychological support as they embark this weight loss journey,” said Mr Al Asfoor. “Everyone is a winner who is participating in the contest this year because they will all follow a healthy lifestyle and nutritional pattern to reduce their weight.
“They will be playing sports daily to burn those extra calories.”
The contestants who are all double-jabbed, as part of Covid-19 requirements, have a BMI of 30 and above but are free from any other illnesses.
The contest ends on October 1 following which the winners will be announced with a BD500 cash prize up for grabs in each of the different categories. In addition, all contestants will be regularly evaluated by doctors and have a proper meal plan (1,500 calories per day) to follow to help them achieve their goals.
The organisers said despite the ongoing pandemic they received a good number of applications from people who want to change their eating habits and live healthier.
The pandemic restrictions have further worsened the situation with the closure and reopening of gyms and fitness facilities since last year.
Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for several chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and other diseases.
The GDN reported that a new survey revealed that obesity in Bahrain has increased, according to preliminary data of a national health survey conducted in 2018 yet to be released.
The latest statistics in Bahrain, which date back to 2007, revealed that 72.6 per cent of the adult population was obese and 65.9pc overweight.
Overweight
Obese women accounted for 40.3pc compared with 32.3pc men, while more men were overweight, accounting to 34.8pc against 31.1pc women.
Among children the data dated back to 2005 and reflected 15.5pc as obese, with 26.9pc overweight.
Girls accounted for 14.3pc of the overweight population, while boys were 12.6pc, with 8.1pc girls and 7.4pc boys.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))