The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf and Danish Embassy launched today (Thursday) at the Ministry of Health (MOH) headquarters two pilot projects namely: "Oman Obesity Clinical Practise Guidelines" which will Educate Health Care Professionals on how to proactively and efficiently engage in medical management of obesity.

The second project is "Obesity Epidemiology Study" estimating the prevalence of obesity related comorbidities in the hospital setting and prevalence of the top 10 comorbidities will be assessed in the Sultanate of Oman.

The two projects were launched in a meeting under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Ole Emil Moesby, Ambassador of Denmark to Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Yemen.

The launching ceremony was also attended by Sayyidah Dr. Noor Al Busaidi, Director of National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Dr. Venkat Kalyan, Vice President and General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf and Dr. Ahmed Magdy, Director of Patient Access and Public Affairs at Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf.

The two projects will not only help establish obesity treatment options and how the disease can be best managed but will also create an in-depth understanding of the epidemic in the Sultanate of Oman.

Drawing attention to the rise in obesity related health issues worldwide, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi spoke at the meeting expressing concern that Obesity is taking a toll not only on the well-being of individuals, but also on the well-being of societies. Obesity also hampers productivity and puts strain on healthcare systems and economies.

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the global issue that is the obesity epidemic. Poor nutrition coupled with technology that enables a sedentary lifestyle to have been linked with a rise in the disease.

As the poor lifestyle habits and choices of society today leave their imprint on those who follow, the burden grows heavier. Therefore, it is imperative that regional and local barriers to obesity prevention and treatment are addressed urgently, and that they are addressed in such a way that they do not increase weight discrimination and stigma.

A recent cross-sectional community-based survey of the population of Oman found that almost two-thirds (66%) of the population was overweight or had obesity (BMI ≥ 25).

Commenting on the survey’s findings at the event, Sayyidah Dr Noor Al Busaidi said, “The national survey found that Omani nationals had a much higher prevalence of obesity (35.2%). In addition to this, Omani women specifically were identified as having a significantly higher prevalence of obesity (40.9%) than Omani men (28.2%). Similar findings of alarmingly high levels of obesity among women in their reproductive years were also reported in the Oman National Nutrition Survey (ONNS).”

Having been associated with alarming 195 health impairments and a major risk factor in chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer, obesity is fast becoming one of the most serious health problems in the world.

Placing emphasis on the need for awareness to tackle obesity, Venkat Kalyan stated, “Driving Change in Obesity is Novo Nordisk’s long-term commitment to improve the lives of people with obesity. Together with our partners, we are changing how the world sees, prevents, and treats obesity. Individuals must be empowered with the information they need to make healthy life choices and take control of their health from an early age.”

As the market leader worldwide in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, and with an aim to be science’s response to the effective treatment of obesity, Novo Nordisk’s role in providing obesity treatment options in Oman, equipping healthcare professionals in this fight, and raising awareness on the disease and its associated comorbidities cannot be overstated.

Ahmed Magdy added, “Obesity must be recognised as a complex, multifactorial chronic condition requiring long-term management solutions. A clinical treatment pathway for the management of obesity is being established, and clinical guidelines are being developed to support healthcare decision making. Healthcare professionals must be given the tools and strategies they require to support people with obesity in an environment free from stigma and this is one of the main pillars that an epidemiology study will offer for them.”