Unveiling Initiatives On World Obesity Awareness Day
On the occasion of World Obesity Awareness Day, a press conference was held by the Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela and Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea. They highlighted a number of initiatives that the country is undertaking to address the challenge of obesity.
In a world where sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits are on the rise, it’s estimated that over 250,000 individuals in Malta are grappling with the challenges of being overweight or obese. Recognising the urgent need for intervention, a groundbreaking weight management and obesity care strategy is being outlined to address this critical health issue.
With a focus on structured services tailored to individual needs, these initiatives aim to engage the community at various levels, from preventive measures to specialised care for those in need:
1. Weight Management for the Overweight
For individuals with a BMI between 25-29.9, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health is enhancing its 8-week walk-in weight management programme. This initiative includes both online and physical group sessions, providing a supportive environment for individuals to kickstart their journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
2. Multidisciplinary Care for the Obese
Recognising the complexity of obesity often associated with co-morbid conditions, a multidisciplinary team within primary care is stepping in. Comprising specialists in family medicine, dieticians, physiotherapists, and psychologists, this holistic approach ensures comprehensive support for those with a BMI over 30. By addressing both physical and mental health aspects, the goal is to empower individuals to achieve sustainable weight loss and overall well-being.
3. Specialist Services for Complex Cases
Some cases require specialised care, and that’s where the expertise of specialists at MDH comes into play. Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek is actively contributing to outpatient and inpatient services, ensuring that those in need receive the highest quality of care. This collaborative effort aims to tackle obesity on all fronts, offering tailored solutions for various health complexities associated with excessive weight.
4. Enhanced Bariatric Services
As part of the comprehensive strategy, an announcement has been made to enhance bariatric services for eligible individuals. This signifies a commitment to providing advanced medical interventions when necessary, ensuring that all avenues are explored to support those struggling with severe obesity.
It’s crucial to emphasise that this comprehensive obesity care strategy is designed to provide the same level of quality care that is offered for other prevalent health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and more.
Addressing the weight epidemic is not a task for the healthcare sector alone; it requires the collective effort of the entire community. Families, communities, schools, workplaces, and every sector of society.
By fostering a supportive environment and promoting healthier lifestyles, we can collectively make strides towards reducing obesity and improving the overall health and well-being of our community.
Obesity is not just a personal concern. It has implications for our healthcare systems, economies, and communities. A prevention framework for non-communicable diseases including obesity is being outlined to tackle prevention in parallel with the obesity weight management and obesity care strategy.
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