DUBAI // Overweight residents can again turn those unwanted kilos into grams of gold, and this year the whole family can take part.
After the success of last year’s “Your Weight in Gold” challenge in Ramadan, Dubai Municipality has revamped the concept to reward parents and children for losing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
“This year we have given priority to families as they will get double the rewards than individual participants,” said Hussain Lootah, director general of the municipality.
“Individuals will get 1 gram of gold per kilogramme reduced, while families will get 2g for each kilo, if the child manages to lose at least 2kg.”
Children can only sign up with a parent.
They must also take part in nutrition and sports programmes and medical tests as part of the initiative.
“Each family is allowed to participate with two of their children below 13 years old. This initiative is open to everyone,” Mr Lootah said.
“The minimum weight to be reduced is 2kg for all participants to be eligible for rewards.”
Registration runs from July 15 to 24, and participants have until September 10 to shed as much weight as they can.
A special prize will be awarded to the person who loses the most weight. People taking part in last year’s event lost an average of 4.1kg each.
Mr Lootah hoped the campaign would tackle obesity in adults and children, and provide an alternative to a sedentary lifestyle.
“Obesity in children is a big dilemma faced by many countries, especially in the Middle East and European nations, due to the addiction of new generation to the electronic devices,” he said.
“We need to protect our growing generation from the negative effects of technology by encouraging them to have a healthy lifestyle and educating the parents about their role in bringing up a healthy generation.
“Dubai has around 100 places to practise sports activities, including parks, jogging tracks and beaches.
“In addition, every year the civic body opens new parks in more areas and adds sports equipment and tools for the public to promote a healthy community.
“Ramadan is the most appropriate season to launch such initiatives as it reminds us about many health benefits of reducing weight, and encourages us to take strong steps to change our bad lifestyles.”
Mr Lootah said the municipality planned to host events throughout the six-week campaign to help participants keep active.
Anyone interested in signing up for this year's event must fill in an online registration form at www.thedmgold.com.
Measurements and weight will be taken between July 15 and 24, 9pm to midnight, at Al Mamzar jogging track, Al Khawaneej jogging track Gate 3, Safa Park Gate2, Zabeel Park Gate3, and Al Barsha Park.
Participants must bring Emirates ID cards. Children will be given basic a medical test to check blood pressure, blood sugar, height, weight and body mass index. They will also receive a consultation from nutritionists and instructions on how to lose weight.
The final measurement stage will be between September 10 and 15, with those taking part notified by text message.
“The programme is not just about winning gold for a short-term commitment to exercise,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). “It aims to encourage society to permanently adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“That is one of many reasons why DMCC is increasing its contribution this year by providing Dh150,000 worth of gold with the ultimate goal of raising awareness of the benefits of exercise combined with a healthy diet.”
Mr bin Sulayem said DMCC was ready to support the municipality each year, for as long as obesity remained a problem.
Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group and Gold.ae have also pledged to help the campaign.
malkhan@thenational.ae
