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Tribune News Network
Doha
Consuming nutrient-dense foods in the right quantities, from all the food groups, and engaging in regular physical activity are major determinants of good health. There are countless studies that have demonstrated the benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet in the treatment of the most common medical problems, Reem al Saadi, director of Dietetics and Nutrition at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), has said.
To mark Qatar National Sport Day, Saadi and Dr Monica Skarulis Young, director of the National Obesity Treatment Center, are raising awareness of the link between lifestyle choices and good health.
Dr Skarulis said exercise is a powerful tool for both the treatment and prevention of chronic disease, for mitigating the harmful effects of obesity and for lowering mortality rates. She said individuals who are sedentary are at risk for a number of chronic diseases.
“There are four basic factors that contribute to a person’s overall health status - genetics, environment, access to healthcare and behaviour. Behaviour accounts for roughly half of a person’s overall health. Once an individual understands what factors are contributing to weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle, a healthcare professional can help him/her set appropriate goals,” Dr Skarulis added.
Located in building 311 in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, HMC’s National Obesity Treatment Center treats between 800 to 900 patients each month and delivers holistic, multidisciplinary care for patients in need of medical management, lifestyle modifications, bariatric and endoscopic procedures.
Dr Skarulis recommends obese individuals consult with their doctor before beginning a weight-loss journey, she said most people won’t require the specialised services provided at the National Obesity Treatment Center to lose weight.
She said healthcare professionals play an important role in highlighting the significance of diet and exercise and she described physical inactivity as a major public health threat.
“Making lifestyle changes isn’t always easy, but it is the key to long-term weight loss and good health. Frontline healthcare providers can play a role in encouraging their patients to engage in exercise. Regular physical activity has been shown to significantly improve quality of life. Active individuals are able to maintain a high functional capacity for much of their life. Exercise can truly be medicine and it has been shown to prevent chronic disease and extend life,” said Dr Skarulis.
Saadi said individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, which for the average person equates to approximately 30 pounds of excess weight, are most at risk of developing serious health problems.
She said dietitians and nutritionists are an integral part of the healthcare team and can help patients make good lifestyle choices.
Doha
Consuming nutrient-dense foods in the right quantities, from all the food groups, and engaging in regular physical activity are major determinants of good health. There are countless studies that have demonstrated the benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet in the treatment of the most common medical problems, Reem al Saadi, director of Dietetics and Nutrition at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), has said.
To mark Qatar National Sport Day, Saadi and Dr Monica Skarulis Young, director of the National Obesity Treatment Center, are raising awareness of the link between lifestyle choices and good health.
Dr Skarulis said exercise is a powerful tool for both the treatment and prevention of chronic disease, for mitigating the harmful effects of obesity and for lowering mortality rates. She said individuals who are sedentary are at risk for a number of chronic diseases.
“There are four basic factors that contribute to a person’s overall health status - genetics, environment, access to healthcare and behaviour. Behaviour accounts for roughly half of a person’s overall health. Once an individual understands what factors are contributing to weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle, a healthcare professional can help him/her set appropriate goals,” Dr Skarulis added.
Located in building 311 in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City, HMC’s National Obesity Treatment Center treats between 800 to 900 patients each month and delivers holistic, multidisciplinary care for patients in need of medical management, lifestyle modifications, bariatric and endoscopic procedures.
Dr Skarulis recommends obese individuals consult with their doctor before beginning a weight-loss journey, she said most people won’t require the specialised services provided at the National Obesity Treatment Center to lose weight.
She said healthcare professionals play an important role in highlighting the significance of diet and exercise and she described physical inactivity as a major public health threat.
“Making lifestyle changes isn’t always easy, but it is the key to long-term weight loss and good health. Frontline healthcare providers can play a role in encouraging their patients to engage in exercise. Regular physical activity has been shown to significantly improve quality of life. Active individuals are able to maintain a high functional capacity for much of their life. Exercise can truly be medicine and it has been shown to prevent chronic disease and extend life,” said Dr Skarulis.
Saadi said individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, which for the average person equates to approximately 30 pounds of excess weight, are most at risk of developing serious health problems.
She said dietitians and nutritionists are an integral part of the healthcare team and can help patients make good lifestyle choices.
