MUSCAT – The initiative follows alarming results from the 2025 National Survey, which found that 64.8 percent of the Sultanate’s population is currently classified as overweight or obese.
The National Obesity Week aims to strengthen public-private partnerships, expand obesity care services, and improve access to modern treatments through initiatives such as the establishment of metabolic cardiology clinics and patient support programs.
Organised by the Oman Diabetes Association in cooperation with the National Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, the week-long campaign includes a large community awareness event at Qurum Natural Park, in partnership with governmental and private health sectors, and coordinated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. Activities will feature dialogue sessions on obesity challenges, awareness exhibitions, and workshops for health personnel, along with forums for pharmacists on the latest treatments.
A virtual national dialogue session will address the health risks of obesity, while mobile campaigns will conduct screening and early detection of obesity and related chronic diseases.
According to the 2025 National Survey by the Ministry of Health, 64.8 percent of Oman’s population is overweight or obese, with women disproportionately affected (39.3 percent compared to 26.4 percent among men).
Obesity is linked to over 195 diseases and is a major risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Research shows that losing just 1 kilogram of weight can reduce diabetes risk by 16 percent, while a 5 percent weight loss has a clinically significant effect.
Globally, more than one billion people suffer from obesity, with prevalence doubling since 1990. Obesity contributes to 60 percent of new diabetes cases, 18 percent of heart disease, and 8–11 percent of cancer and dementia cases, reducing life expectancy by an average of 2.7 years.