ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In a bid to mark the World Obesity Day observed globally on March 4, the Changing Obesity Leadership Forum was organized in Islamabad.
The Changing Obesity Leadership Forum was organized by the Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSRC) in association with Novo Nordisk Pakistan’s Changing Obesity™ initiative.
The Leadership Forum, attended by the Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan H.E. Ms. Lis Rosenholm, dignitaries, subject specialists, and medical practitioners, marked the start of a new journey towards a nationwide effort to confront the challenge of obesity in Pakistan, the 9th most obese country in the world.
In the forum, the medical experts were of the view that obesity is a complex chronic disease, and losing weight is not just a question of eating less and moving more.
Sharing her thoughts, the Danish ambassador emphasized on strengthening the cooperation on all levels for a healthier world and the need for countering obesity as a disease with united efforts.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President & General Manager Novo Nordisk Pharma Mr. Rashed Rafique Butt said “The launch of Changing Obesity™ initiative is the beginning of Novo Nordisk’s long-term commitment to improve the lives of people with obesity by collaborating with the community on education and advocacy, increasing access to care, and advancing medical management. He further stated that the dialogue around obesity has been initiated through this platform and now there is a need to continue this dialogue and convert it into action.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Deputy Director Programs (NCDs) at the MoNHSRC) Dr. Samra Mazhar said that the main objective of the event as to engage in dialogue to change obesity in Pakistan.
Other Participants and speakers at the Forum included leading healthcare professionals from Pakistan, representatives from UNICEF, World Obesity Federation, and the Obesity Care & Advocacy Network.
The event also marked the official unveiling of Faiza Saleem as the Changing Obesity™ Brand Ambassador who gave a talk on the societal stigma and challenges of living with overweight & obesity in Pakistan.
Together with its partners, Novo Nordisk is planning on changing how Pakistan sees, prevents, and treats obesity.
