Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Hospital announces the commencement of the 4th edition of the RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge 2024 (RBWLC 24). This 12-week community initiative, aimed at addressing the obesity epidemic, will kick off on December 16th and culminate on March 4th, World Obesity Day, with an awards ceremony on March 6th. Registration for the challenge is now open through the competition website.
In the previous edition, 99% of participants had a BMI above 30, categorizing them as obese. Major comorbidities included High Blood Pressure at 18%, Diabetes at 15%, and Arthritis at 11%.
Who can participate in this challenge?
The challenge features three categories: Physical, Virtual, and Corporate, and introduces a new fourth category for school children and staff, promoting healthy competition among schools. Cash prizes await top achievers in the Physical category, offering AED 300, AED 200, and AED 100 per kilogram of weight loss for the top three male and female participants.
Furthermore, In the Virtual category, participants have the chance to win enticing rewards, including staycations, health and holiday packages, dining vouchers, gym memberships, and more. Special recognition and prizes are also reserved for individuals achieving the highest percentage of weight loss in both the Physical and Virtual categories. Corporate and school teams with the maximum collective weight loss will be winners in their categories.
Globally, obesity contributes significantly to metabolic diseases. In the UAE, ranked fifth in the global obesity index, RBWLC 24 aims to address this challenge and raise awareness about associated health risks.
“RAK Hospital’s Annual Weight Loss Challenge stands as a beacon of health consciousness, evolving into the country’s premier initiative,” remarked Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital. “Our commitment to fostering awareness and education about obesity and its complications has grown stronger with each edition. Also, This year’s pioneering inclusion of schools as teams is a deliberate move to inspire and create role models for children, laying a foundation for a healthier future.”
Speaking on the announcement, Prof. Adrian Kennedy, Chief Wellness Officer, Arabian Wellness & Lifestyle Management, wellness division of RAK Hospital said, “The objectives of RBWLC 24 extend beyond the competition itself. The initiative aims to improve the quality of life by aligning with national health agendas, implementing comprehensive lifestyle medicine and chronic disease management programs, and providing a holistic health solution from illness to wellness. Additionally, RBWLC 24 seeks to support the community with essential information and education for effective weight management.’’
Also Read: THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP FOR GOOD HEALTH
Moreover, The challenge accommodates various participation preferences, offering Physical, Virtual, and Corporate Teams Challenge categories, and the new School Teams Challenge. Weigh-ins for the Physical Category participants are scheduled for December 16th and 17th, 2023, at RAK Hospital. Also, Virtual participants can weigh in at local clinics, and Corporate Teams and Schools can register as teams to enter this health-focused adventure.
For registrations and more information, visit www.rakweightlosschallenge.com. Join the movement – Lose Big to Win Big!
