The Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA) has intensified its campaign against pediatric obesity by urging hotels and restaurants to offer healthier food. Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Turki, president of SDEA, told the Saudi Gazette that there are over three million obese Saudi children who stand to face devastating risks, adding that they all need to be educated on correct everyday food practices “Food providers should contribute to this task by offering food that has more nutritional values,” he said. “There are many risks associated with this rise in pediatric obesity. It is not only about child health and social and psychological issues, but also economic factors affecting families and communities. Involvement of all, including those in the food business, is a must.” Turki said that while the drive against child obesity is multi-pronged, it is in the food sector in particular where the the campaign needs to be most effective. “Food companies could make a lot of difference by having in their menus more food of nutritional value,” said Turki. “Representatives of food providers will be henceforth included in the group drive against pediatric obesity.” He added that obesity prevention in children requires collaborative and intensive efforts from groups, individuals, families, the media and decision-makers. “Working hand-in-hand is the best way to encourage the introduction of healthy measures, such as healthy shopping, healthy eating and healthy cooking, in addition to encouraging children to enroll in regular exercise programs and to take charge of their own health,” Turki said. SDEA conducts year-round campaigns against child obesity. According to Turki, the drive includes educational activities and programs attended by various sectors of local communities. “Such activities focus on the need of public awareness on the risks of pediatric obesity, its prevention, and calls to invest in community health and education,” he said. “Scientific symposia, like the one held at Meridian Hotel Khobar last March, which 700 medical professionals attended, enables those interested in child obesity prevention to know the risks and management of pediatric obesity.” He added that SDEA regularly distributes educational material on obesity prevention and management in hospitals, schools, private companies and sports clubs, to encourage a healthy lifestyle that focuses on proper nutrition and exercise. Activities to raise funds are also held annually. The Charity Fun Run, held last March and conducted jointly by SDEA and the Eastern Province Charity Run Committee, did not only raise funds, but also created public awareness on the fight against child obesity. Around 10,000 people of all ages and nationalities participated in the run. __
