National nutrition strategy launched

In a society where knowledge on nutritional health is limited and the burden of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is increasing day by day, authorities hope the strategy will encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. At present, 24 per cent of UAE nationals are diabetic and childhood obesity has reached alarming levels.

Under the National Nutrition Strategy for 2010-2015, healthy food choices and nutritional education will be made readily available to the public while food available in schools and hospitals will also be regulated.

The strategy will also address food fortification and correct labelling issues, promote breast feeding and encourage people to consume adequate micronutrients such as iodine and iron.

However, authorities face a number of challenges as they are ready to roll out the strategy.

Burgeoning fast food chains have replaced traditional diet topped by the absence of policies required to implements sustainable nutrition programmes.

“Unless you change beliefs in individuals you cannot change habits,” said Dr Mahmoud Fikri, Executive Director for Health Policies at the Ministry of Health at the launch. “We can put in the regulations but the community has a responsibility as well,” he added.

Authorities also say that health education has to start early but a situation analysis of the UAE shows that nutritional awareness among both school and university students is very limited since most schools have failed to develop clear nutrition policies. At present, 20 per cent of school children aged between 8-12 years are overweight due to poor food choices offered in school canteens while 33 per cent of children 2-15 years live a sedentary lifestyle.

Food choices in school canteens were highlighted as part of the root causes of obesity among school children. Studies also showed that 60 per cent of school students aged 5-14 years consumed chips and chocolates daily, while only 28 per cent and 23.2 per cent, respectively reported a daily consumption of vegetables and fruits.

“Influencing behaviour and changing attitudes is our ultimate goal,” said Dr Salah Badawi, Director of the National Project for Control of Diabetes who has also helped draft the strategy.

“But we also need to provide the supportive infrastructure such as parks and gardens required for this purpose so as to change behaviour,” he said, adding that this can be done only with coordination with the authorities concerned.

“The strategy is important because malnutrition and obesity rates are alarming in many regional countries,” said Dr Ayoub Aljawaldeh, Regional Advisor in Nutrition World Health Organisation’s regional office.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com