Title: The Obesity Epidemic and Eating Behaviour: Are Diets the Answer?

Biography:

Abouchacra is a consultant nephrologist with Canadian & American Board certification in Internal Medicine & Nephrology. She has Masters in Science from Toronto Institute of Medical Sciences. She served as chairperson for Academic Affairs & Nephrology departments at Tawam Hospital and Medical Director of Urology Kidney Disease Service Line Council for Emirate of Abu Dhabi. She has held Director of Outpatient Services post at Tawam and Al Ain Hospitals. She actively participates in teaching and research including International Dialysis Outcomes &Practice Patterns Study. She is an active member in medical societies & fellow of American Society of Nephrology.

Abstract

Obesity has become a global epidemic, which is rapidly spreading at phenomenal rates. The gravity of this “Globesity” epidemic goes beyond sheer numbers, as it is directly linked to many diseases that pose serious health risks and are responsible for escalating health care expenditures. Notably, obesity is the single most important contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes along with other metabolic disorders; comprising the constellation of cardiovascular risks. In this presentation, the magnitude of this crisis and its hidden consequences will be delineated setting the stage for the necessary actionable steps. Though the solution seems straightforward with weight reduction being the cardinal intervention, however, achieving and maintaining weight loss is extremely challenging. Diets have disappointingly had limited short term benefits with lack of sustainability and even rebound weight gain. In addition to their restrictive nature, there are even more complex personal behaviour and social factors affecting food ingestion that current day “diets” do not address. These shortcomings will be explored in the context of dietary behaviour patterns promoting weight gain that may be critical in sabotaging weight loss efforts. Our research group has undertaken study initiatives including a multicentre survey aimed at understanding eating habits in overweight and obese individuals in our region. The published data will be shared for interactive discussion and a recently published novel eating behaviour modification concept will be introduced. This lecture aims to provide an evidence- based presentation intended specifically for the target audience with compelling take-home messages.