RIYADH: The Ministry of Health on Saturday launched an obesity-control campaign as part of its national health-awareness program.

The program, held under the support of Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, was inaugurated by Director of Health Affairs in Riyadh Dr. Hisham Mohammed Al-Nadira at Prince Sultan University. An exhibition was also opened to run concurrently with a symposium during the coming four days.

The program is being held in cooperation with the Schools Health Education Unit of the Ministry of Education, University Center for Obesity Research, Saudi Food and Drugs Authority and Prince Sultan University College of Medicine at King Fahd Medical City.

Scientific studies conducted in the Kingdom in the last few years have warned of the growing prevalence of childhood obesity. Inaugurating the five-day event, Nadira said parents should take serious interest in combating obesity among children. “Proper guidance at the right time will reduce the problems faced by children in their life,” he said.

Hassan Al-Ghawoud, chief sponsor of the event, said Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman is personally interested in holding such programs in the region

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Arab News