A new research revealed that obesity awareness is increasing in the UAE. Awareness about obesity and other lifestyle-related conditions has jumped by 22% from last year.

Additionally, 38% of the respondents said they are aware about the dangers of sedentary lifestyles on their well-being. The annual survey was conducted by Dubai based
Lifestyle Yoga with more than 1,500 residents. 

The research also revealed that at least one third of the population are turning to fitness activities and group exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates and Zumba to de-stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For those who are fasting, the initial days are the hardest especially this year as Ramadan starts during the summer season. Physique TV talked to certified dieticians “Ghida Arnaout” to gather some tips on how to stay healthy during Ramadan and repeated every 2 hours.

Here are some tips:

Food and Drinks in Ramadan:
• Do not eat big amounts of food one time at Iftar, split the meal into small meals starting from Iftar time until Suhour.
• Drink more water to avoid dehydration and fatigue (6 to 8 cups), focus on liquids such as yogurt.
• Have enough sleep from 7 to 8 hours
• Avoid soft drinks even the diet ones

Diabetes:
• Diabetic must consult a doctor
• Focus on the amount of food that must be taken
• Focus on the amount of Starch and Sugar
• Take a low-calorie dish and green salad

Kidney:
• Be careful about the quantity of protein
• Consult the doctor and nutrition/dietitian 

Heart Disease:
• Reduce the amount of salt in food and avoid pickles, olives, canned foods…etc.
• Be Away from animal fats such as red meat
• Diaries must be low-fat
• Consult the doctor and nutrition/dietitian 

Suhour Meal:
• Suhour meal is important for the fasting people as it give them the energy they need during the day

Sports:
• You should exercise during the Holly month to avoid obesity, but you should choose the right times either before Iftar one hour or 2 hours after Iftar.

These Tips are given by Ghida Arnaout who works as clinical dietitian in Dubai.

About Ghida: graduated from the American University of Beirut and been working in the health sector in Dubai since 2010. Currently working as clinical dietitian at Slim'N Lite diet center, she also manages her own blog which is focused on extreme sports and fitness other than music in order to inspire people around her to lead a healthier fitter life. Her work ethic is grounded on promoting and serving society’s wellbeing and general health.