Organized by the Directorate General of Health Services in Al Buraimi Governorate, Al Buraimi Obesity Week 2025 “Wa’ee wa harakah” (Know Better, Move Better) kicked off today Sunday, featuring a diverse lineup of awareness events, educational activities, and health-focused programs aimed at addressing the growing challenge of obesity. 
The opening ceremony and the launch of Obesity Conference 2025 were held at the Governorate’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the patronage of H.E. Hilal bin Rashid Al Ghaithi, Member of Shura Council representing the Wilayat of Al Buraimi. The event gathered a number of government officials and invited guests.
The week’s agenda includes a scientific conference, a seminar, sports activities, health initiatives, and several exhibitions highlighting the risks of obesity and strategies for prevention and management. The activities target various segments of the community, in addition to healthcare professionals and specialists in the field.
During the opening, Dr. Laila Al Sa’ediya, Director of Primary Health Care at Al Buraimi Health, delivered a keynote address in which she emphasized that obesity has become one of the defining health challenges of the 21st century. She noted that global data from the World Health Organization shows over (43%) of adults are overweight, while nearly (16% ) are classified as obese—more than 650 million people worldwide. Even more alarming, she said, is the rising prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents, with recent reports identifying (120) million affected worldwide, posing serious long-term health and economic concerns. She added that national statistics in Oman reflect a similar trend.
Dr. Al Sa’ediya stressed that these figures are not merely annual reports but urgent indicators requiring strong intervention, especially since obesity is linked to over (45%) of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. She also pointed to the economic burden, noting estimates that obesity-related healthcare costs and work absenteeism may account for up to 3% of a country’s GDP.
Aligning with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes quality of life and sustainable health, she said that Al Buraimi aims to become a national model for preventive programs and public health promotion. She highlighted future plans focused on building urban environments that encourage physical activity, promoting healthy nutrition in schools and institutions, leveraging digital health tools, and strengthening partnerships across government, community, and private sectors—ultimately transforming Al Buraimi into a fully health-supportive environment. 
Following that, the patron of the event inaugurated the accompanying awareness exhibition, touring its sections and reviewing presentations of key initiatives that are being implemented across sectors to combat obesity.
The conference, marking the first major event of Obesity Week, brought together around (100) participants from medical and allied health professions across Oman. Speakers from various hospitals delivered a series of scientific lectures.
Sessions included topics on understanding the burden of obesity—from population trends to biological mechanisms, clinical approaches to assessing obesity and identifying associated health risks, as well the rising challenge of childhood obesity. Furthermore, lectures address the psychological impact of obesity, medical nutrition therapy as an essential tool in obesity management, Pharmacological interventions, and Bariatric surgery and post-operative care. 
The conference aimed to explore obesity prevalence, risk factors, complications, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the integration of medical nutrition therapy with lifestyle modifications. It also highlighted guidelines for initiating medication or surgical treatment and managing patients after surgery.
Recent data shows a concerning surge in obesity and overweight rates in Oman, making prevention and awareness an urgent public health priority. With human health viewed as a non-negotiable national priority, the Ministry of Health continues to implement programs through its institutions to strengthen primary healthcare and safeguard society against rising health challenges such as obesity. The launch of Obesity Week reflects these efforts, supported by wide-ranging partnerships across government sectors.