Sidra’s inaugural session on obesity comes at a critical juncture for the local medical community. Dr. Dudenhausen said: “Fighting the prevalence of obesity in both Qatar and across the region, is a collaborative effort between the public and medical sectors. The Sidra Symposia Series aims to facilitate and contribute to the dialogue among medical professionals on issues affecting the population and the very latest research on these important topics.”
A 2009 Hamad Medical Corporation and The World Health Organization survey showed that 70 percent of Qatari children led unhealthy lifestyles, half of which suffered from malnutrition by being either over or under weight. Qatar has the highest rate of obese young boys regionally according to the International Association for the Study of Obesity.
Figures like this have led to a number of important initiatives in Qatar, including the National Sports Day, “Win Your Health,” the Supreme Council of Health’s campaign to combat local obesity, and the recent “Your Health First” campaign led by WCMC-Q and SCH.
Dr. Ellen Wartella commented: “Such public awareness campaigns in Qatar are having a positive impact on society and encourage youth to live a healthier lifestyle. These programs will challenge the food marketing influence on children today.” Speaking at the event, Dr. Wartella shared her research on the impact of food marketing on children, warning that as prevalence of Western fast-food chains in Doha increases, public awareness campaigns and medical health professionals will need to work together to overcome child obesity. She stressed the importance of a healthier future for Qatari youth and adults.
HMC’s Acting Consultant for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Dr. Ahmed El-Awwa, spoke about the opportunity Sidra’s presence in Qatar would offer to medical professionals working in Doha and the wider region. Of the world-class technology and information Sidra will provide, he said: “Sidra is expected to be a state-of-the-art hospital and a leading medical facility globally. The Sidra Symposia Series provides doctors like me the opportunity to work together with Sidra and be part of the larger medical community to overcome issues such as obesity.” Dr. El-Awwa went on to discuss his experience in the field of childhood obesity. He discussed the magnitude of the problem globally and in Qatar, factors that contribute to obesity and its health consequences, including the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Dr El- Awwa spoke about the management plan for people with obesity and highlighted that the corner stone in the management of childhood obesity is primary prevention, which should be a national priority. It is also imperative to prevent its persistence into adulthood.
Dr. Taubel discussed the effects of obesity on pregnancy and implications for the fetus. Obesity plays a significant role in pregnancy, at all stages. Many obese women face decreased fertility in the first instance and run a much higher risk of a first trimester loss. Dr. Taubel talked through the stages of pregnancy and the negative effects obese women are exposed to throughout, from the risks of fetal morbidity, with increased chance of stillbirth and heart defects, for example; through to planning for delivery, with a particularly increased risk during cesareans. One of the most alarming factors Dr. Taubel addressed in her presentation is the likelihood of an obese mother promoting an unhealthy lifestyle and resulting in an obese child, a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
Sidra’s unique contribution in combating the obesity epidemic locally lies in community care and the ability to bring together international experts to support its vision to provide for the health and wellbeing of women and children regionally and globally. The Sidra Symposia Series aims to bring together thought leaders to discuss and share ways of improving quality of life, such as overcoming obesity. The Series will take place regularly, addressing a number of topics and challenges that face the medical community.
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About Sidra
Sidra Medical and Research Center is a groundbreaking hospital, research and education institution, based in Doha, Qatar, that will focus on the health and wellbeing of women and children regionally and globally. Sidra will be a fully digital facility, incorporating the most advanced information technology applications in clinical, research and business functions. Sidra will initially have around 400 beds with infrastructure to enable expansion to 550 beds in a subsequent phase.
Sidra will have a unique working structure with inter-professional collaboration at the heart, providing the best holistic care for patients and an unparalleled learning environment for its medical professionals. Sidra will combine the best in design, technology, operations and practices from medical centers around the world - to offer its employees an environment that is at once familiar and extraordinary.
Sidra is part of a dynamic research and education environment in Qatar that includes leading international institutions, such as: Sidra’s academic partner Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Qatar Science and Technology Park, etc. Through strong partnerships with leading institutions around the world, Sidra is creating an intellectual ecosystem to help advance scientific discovery through investment in medical research.
Sidra represents the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who serves as its Chairperson. The high-tech facility will not only provide world-class patient care but will also help build Qatar's scientific expertise and resources. Sidra will be funded by a US$7.9 billion endowment from Qatar Foundation, the largest endowment of its kind in the world.
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