Bulging waistlines? Walk as cool climes hit UAE

It is no secret that walking is one of the best exercises to lose weight, but many in the UAE complain the weather is just too hot to step out. And, the gym or trained sessions to shed the flab is not their cup of tea as it requires a lot of dedication, time and money.

But, as the weather cools down in the UAE, doctors are urging residents to finally step out and just walk and walk.

Statics show a huge population in the country weigh more than what they should.

The number of overweight or obese adults and children is increasing and is a trend that is not slowing down. The UAE ranks as the fifth fattest nation in the world, according to a study published by a BMC Public Health journal last year.

A growing concern is that now even kids are becoming obese. As per a recent research by Zayed Military Hospital, one in three children is overweight or obese and at risk of serious diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

And, this is why doctors and authorities are now urging residents to walk if they want to keep their weight in check and the good news is that brisk walking is just as good as running for people who want to take up walking.

Local doctors have lauded a new study published by the American Heart Association (AHA) which found that walking briskly lowered the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running.

“We’ve long known that increased activity has a measurable positive effect on cardiovascular health, but it’s very exciting to see that brisk walking delivers similar benefits as that of running, as many people are afraid to run,” said Dr T M Jaison, Specialist Cardiologist, Aster Jubilee Medical Centre, Bur Dubai.

“There are three main factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease: smoking, an unhealthy diet, and the lack of exercise. 

"If we take care of these aspects, we can remarkably improve our health. Practically everyone could benefit from increasing their daily physical activity, and with winter just around the corner now is the perfect time to take advantage of the weather and spend time outdoors running or walking briskly,” Dr Jaison added.

But, how much do you actually need to walk to shed the kilos?

According to the AHA’s recommendations for physical activity, adults need at least 2.5 hours of moderate to intense aerobic exercise a week, which is not being met here in the UAE, according to the Aster expert.

Authorities have also organised running events in the past months to encourage people to set out of the air conditioned environment and run for health.

The Dubai Municipality recently launched its weight loss programme, 'Your Weight in Gold', which ran from July 19 to August 16. Top winners - those who lost the most weight during the 30-day programme were the winners.

These are just some of the campaigns to encourage people to walk. Residents in Dubai agree only few walk and that too is not enough.

“We should walk more, definitely a lot more,” says Naresh Yadav, a resident of Bur Dubai.

“I have joined a group of runners and we plan running in Safa Park in the morning. It’s better late than never,” he said.

If you are still unaware of what all can extra weight can do, here are some bytes for you.

Besides the physical appearance and low self-esteem that comes with it, overweight and obese people are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension), cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood fats, metabolic syndrome, cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, reproductive problems and gallstones.

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