Obesity is recognised as a disease by the World Health Organization as well as a few countries including Japan, Portugal, Italy, and more recently Germany. However, in Ireland and many other countries, we are still behind in recognising obesity as a disease, despite of all the current knowledge around its pathophysiology.

This year, the G20, an international forum from 19 countries and the EU took place in Saudi Arabia. Prohealth365 attended part of the activities, particularly the C20 sessions and witnessed many interesting topics covered by civil society organizations.

Importantly, Prohealth365 was also able to contribute to the C20 sessions via our Nutritionist, Dr Werd Al-Najim. Werd joined a panel of obesity experts consisted of the Chair Dr Ghalia Abdeen, Prof Carel le Roux, and Dr Alex Miras. They discussed the facts behind recognising obesity as a disease and the current treatment options around the world. Moreover, they described the reality of harsh stigmas and unhealthy attitudes in obesity care. Importantly, they also discussed how obesity stigma hindered the appropriate recognition of obesity as a disease.

The consensus amongst participants is that obesity stigma requires attention within the healthcare sectors. A number of strategies can be put in place to combat obesity stigma to facilitate the recognition of obesity as a disease. For example, some of the strategies that were suggested by Dr Werd Al-Najim were as follows:

•Encourage patient-centered communications and empathy.

•Introduction of zero-tolerance policies for comments or humour against people living with obesity. 

•Increase obesity education and awareness campaigns. 

•Provide more welcoming and less threating environment to patients with obesity. 

You can have access to the full recording of the session via this link.

KAYL Association for Combating Obesity was the driver of this important session. KAYL is the first non-profitable organization in the field of obesity and are primary advocates for recognising obesity as a disease in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

Authored by Prohealth365

Bored of your usual exercise routine and want to gain the benefits of both endurance and strength training? Why don’t you give this a try:

1km run (at a challenging speed)
8reps weighted squats x3
8reps chest press x3

1km run
8 reps/leg weighted lunges x3
8reps barbell press x3

1km jog
12 reps/leg weighted step-ups x3
45sec plank x3
45 sec/side side plank x3

1km run
12reps weighted SLR
20 reps sit-ups

Finish off with another 1km jog!

Do you need professional advice on your own strength or endurance training programs? then don’t hesitate to contact by filling in this contact form, booking online or by calling us on 01 960 9934.

Rand Al-Najim, Physiotherapist & Personal Trainer

Prohealth365 Physiotherapy & Nutrition Bray

Author Dr Werd Al-Najim, Nutritionist

Whether you have been diagnosed with high blood sugar (pre-diabetes), type 2 diabetes, or you want to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, this short article will provide you with the key information you need to know.

We understand that it is a scary moment when your GP tells you that your blood sugar is high. However, the good news is that we no longer think that type 2 diabetes is an incurable disease. While many patients may have to live with the disease for the rest of their lives, so many patients can achieve remission. By making good food choices combined with exercise, you can also achieve such results.

I don’t know where to start!
That’s OK. Nutrition and exercise information on the internet can be overwhelming. Aim for small sustainable changes, one change at a time, and obtain your information from qualified healthcare professionals.

Do I need to make drastic changes to my diet?
This depends on your current food choices and pattern of eating. However, as mentioned earlier, make the changes slowly. Firstly, you need to aim for a diet high in colourful vegetables. It is also beneficial for your health to eat 2-3 portions of fruit per day. Additionally, aim to include proteins with every meal, a small amount of healthy fats and no more than 130g of carbohydrates per day. If you are unsure what these macronutrients are or how to calculate your required intake, speak to our qualified Nutritionist for more detailed information and a personalised diet plan.

I do regular walks but I am not a fan of gyms, is that enough?
Well, you are on the right track but not quite there yet. Walking for 30 minutes a day is good for health maintenance but to get your elevated blood sugar under control you need to do more intentional exercise, especially, strength training. Work with our Physiotherapist to create an exercise plan that is right for you!

How soon can I start seeing the changes on my blood sugar?

Research has shown that people with type 2 diabetes can start seeing changes on their blood sugar levels within 3-6 months if the above nutrition and exercise giudlines are followed correctly. As type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease, the changes must be maintained lifelong to keep the disease in remission.

For more information about the current consenus on nutrition therapy for adults with diabetes or prediabetes, please click here.

Click here to read other blogs & recipes by Prohealth365.

Prohealth365 Physiotherapy & Nutrition Bray