Obesity Drives Healthcare Costs 68% Higher, Reduces Workplace Productivity by 31%

19 March 2025; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – As part of the 5th RAK Weight Loss Challenge, RAK Hospital continues its mission to empower the community with knowledge on critical health concerns. In the latest educative session, Dr. Hala Youssef Hamdy, Specialist Endocrinologist at RAK Hospital, shed light on the alarming rise of obesity and its severe consequences, urging individuals to take proactive steps toward healthier lifestyles.

During the session titled Obesity: A Health Crisis, Dr. Hala highlighted the growing prevalence of obesity worldwide, emphasizing that over 40% of the UAE’s population is either overweight or obese, including both adults and children. Medically, individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 are classified as overweight, while those exceeding a BMI of 30 fall into the obese category. Further, she pointed out that males with a waist circumference exceeding 40 inches and females above 35 inches face a significantly higher risk of developing life-threatening health conditions.

Mindful Eating: The Secret to Lasting Weight Loss and a Healthier Relationship with Food

• Drastic calorie-cutting or extreme dieting could do more harm than good
• Combining aerobic exercise and strength training vital for effective weight management
• Chronic stress and sleep deprivation can trigger hormonal imbalances that lead to weight gain.

13 March, 2025; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – In a bid to support the community on their weight loss journey, RAK Hospital hosted an insightful and interactive session on sustainable weight management, as part of the 5th RAK Weight Loss Challenge 2025.

Led by Ruba Elhourani, Senior Clinical Dietician and Head of Department at RAK Hospital, the session aimed to educate participants on how to achieve long-term, healthy weight loss through practical and science-backed strategies.

November 7, 2024 – Ras Al Khaimah: As part of its ongoing RAK Diabetes Challenge community initiative, RAK Hospital held an insightful Diabeat Webinar on the link between diabetes and kidney disease, shedding light on the prevention and management of Diabetic Nephropathy. Led by Dr. Ajinkya Patil, Specialist Nephrology at RAK Hospital, the session provided valuable information on how diabetes affects the kidneys and the importance of early screening to mitigate long-term complications.