UAEU Students Fight Obesity in the 4th Series of “The Biggest Loser"
The Students Activities and Leadership Unit at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), organized the 4th series of the "The Biggest Loser" program under the slogan "Fitness and New Challenges for UAEU Students". The fitness initiative was organized to create awareness of the hazardless effects of obesity and its impact on human health. It encourages students who suffer from being overweight to lose the excess weight within three months with the aim of winning the competition.
The program, in its 4th series, was inaugurated by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shayeb, UAEU Dean of Students, with the attendance of a vast number of participating students and sport specialists. Dr. Al Shayeb commended this important initiative which benefits student health and well-being. "UAEU seeks to provide an integrated environment for its students which can’t be achieved without taking care of students health, therefore, such programs motivate and encourage the students to exercise and follow a moderate diet.” \
Dr. Al Shayeb added, "With the completion of the new sport buildings in both male and female sides of the new campus, UAEU has outstanding sports facilities on par with top international specifications including state-of-the-art fitness clubs, Olympic sized swimming pools, unparalleled sports fields, tracks, courts and halls and a team of highly trained sports specialists."
Mr. Hani Taha, trainer and supervisor of the program, and Dr. Rasha Bumatar from VLCC Center, explained the goals of the program. "Students who are overweight suffer from many problems not only health issues but also related to their life and study. Therefore, we offer them nutrition programs and intensive exercises. Their weight and diet are monitored on a weekly basis. In addition, they are provided with information related to training principals, importance of sports and ways to lose weight during the program.”
The ceremony included a presentation of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd series as well as “before and after” pictures of the participants. Participants of old seasons who lost weight spoke about their experience to encourage the new participants. Omar Jamal, a Student at the College of Engineering, was 124 KG and now weights an amazing 73 KG. Another student, Eyad Saqer, was 122 KG and lost a significant 27 KG and Salem Rashed Al Yamahi, was 130 KG and achieved an outstanding loss of 46 KG. “Our students have achieved amazing results in the past, and we are very proud of their accomplishments,” added Dr. Al Shayeb.
Mr. Ibrahim Mukhtar, Director of Sport Activities, explained "The number of students participating in this series is 65. We encouraged students to participate through announcement and awareness of the harmful effects of obesity, highlighted ways to lose weight, and the danger of fast food which attracts children, teenagers and adults as well as the importance of sports and exercises to achieve the desired weight. The participants began with a comprehensive medical testing blood pressure, sugar level, heart rate and others."
