A fitness campaign is gaining good response from Omanis and expatriates. This comes in the wake of the recent finding that more than half of the Omani population are now overweight or obese with 30 per cent of the population having a BMI of more than 30. Alarmingly, obesity among school children is on the rise too. These figures showed a rise in the prevalence of obesity in Oman since the last Ministry of Health survey in 2008, especially amongst women.
The 40-day Fitness Challenge Season 2 initiated by KIMS Health Muscat Hospital is designed in such a way to underscore the significance of maintaining fitness and raise awareness among the general public regarding the health risks associated with obesity.
The 2-months-challenge that also endeavours to inspire young individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle choices also has motivational health talk sessions by Dr Amira al Raidan, Supervisor for Drug Awareness and Training at the Prevention Committee of the National Committee for Narcotics and Psychotropic substances, Ministry of Health; Dr Shashiraj Eswarappa, Consultant Internal Medicine and Medical Director; Jishy Seby, Dietician; Dr Munnu Zain Muneer, Family Medicine Doctor; and physical trainers.
"We have been receiving an overwhelming response from the fitness-conscious people ever since the registration opened on March 10. We anticipate the participation of over 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities while companies are also encouraged to participate with a maximum of ten participants per group," Suneinah Joseph, Certified Sound Meditation Therapist, said.
The event will officially commence on April 15, and conclude on May 25. Medical checkups will be conducted to ensure participants meet the eligibility criteria for the event and are in good health. Participants may register individually or under corporate affiliations, with the age group ranging from 22 to 45 years.
The challenge will feature a diverse array of indoor and outdoor activities, including yoga sessions, hiking, Zumba, and exclusive sound meditation therapy conducted by Suneinah, who is also the representative of the initiative. '4U Gym' and 'Biggest Gym' will serve as fitness partners, providing gym facilities to participants.
The winners will be selected based on the maximum weight reduction, determined by BMI loss and there will be three winners in the individual category.
While the first prize winner will be awarded RO 500 in cash, the second prize winner will receive 12-day ayurvedic treatment at Saham Ayurvedic Hospital in Saham. RO 100 will be awarded to the third prize winner.
In the corporate participation category, the team with the maximum weight reduction will be honored with a memento and the total weight reduced by the team will be announced under their brand name.
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