Sunday 30 / November / 2025
Al Buraimi: The Obesity 2025 Conference began on Sunday in the Wilayat of Al Buraimi. It is the most prominent event of the Al Buraimi Obesity Week organised by the Directorate General of Health Services in the Governorate, with the aim of highlighting the challenges of obesity, prevention, and treatment methods, in addition to promoting health awareness among various community segments.
The conference, which sees the participation of about 100 participants from medical and medical support staff from different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, reviews the latest trends and practices related to obesity management, with the involvement of lecturers from a number of hospitals.
The scientific sessions of the conference included lectures on understanding the burden of obesity from population trends to biological mechanisms, obesity in clinical practice in terms of patient assessment and health risk identification, and childhood obesity as a growing health challenge.
The sessions also discussed the psychological impact of obesity, medical nutrition therapy and its importance in modifying eating behavior, in addition to pharmacological interventions, surgical treatment, and associated post-surgery care.
The conference aims to review the prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors, explore prevention and treatment strategies, discuss its impacts on quality of life, highlight the indications for initiating pharmacological and surgical treatment and their requirements, and integrate nutritional therapy with lifestyle improvement.
Coinciding with the conference was the opening of an awareness exhibition that highlights health initiatives and awareness projects aimed at reducing obesity in the Governorate.
Dr. Laila bint Salim Al Saadi, Director of the Primary Healthcare Department, confirmed in her speech during the event that obesity has become one of the most prominent global health challenges, noting that WHO reports show that more than 43% of adults are overweight, and 16% suffer from obesity, equating to more than 650 million people, while figures indicate the presence of 120 million children with obesity.
She clarified that obesity is directly linked to more than 45% of chronic diseases and constitutes an economic burden that may reach 3% of the GDP in some countries.
She added that Al Buraimi Governorate's initiatives align with Oman Vision 2040, which places quality of life and sustainable health among its priorities. She pointed to the Directorate's plans for promoting physical activity, developing health-supportive environments, activating digital solutions, and building multi-sectoral partnerships to enhance health awareness.
At the conclusion of the conference, Hilal bin Rashid Al Ghaithi, Shura Council Member representing the Wilayat of Al Buraimi, felicitated the lecturers, organisers, and supporting entities, and inaugurated the accompanying awareness exhibition.
