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The most significant climate conference began a few days ago. We had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Sarra Suliman, team leader of the World Obesity Federation in the Middle East and North Africa, with whom we conducted this interview. Here's the story!

1. Some people are surprised by the link between obesity and climate change; how can you explain this?

The relationship between obesity and climate change is very complex. Climate change has a direct and negative impact on the natural environment of many plants and animals, affecting people's ability to access healthy food in various communities. This leads many people to rely on and consume high-calorie foods. Additionally, obesity leads to increased food consumption among affected individuals, which in turn exacerbates obesity, making it a syndrome. Obesity is a disease that increases the risk of developing many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, artery blockage, and strokes. As a result, obesity represents a financial burden both on the individuals suffering from it and on the healthcare sector.

2. Why is it essential to invest in tackling obesity from a climate perspective?

Treating obesity requires financial resources, which calls for substantial investments in its prevention and its consequences. Therefore, countries and healthcare systems should work on addressing the underlying causes of obesity. Obese individuals consume more food products, which puts additional pressure on the environment. Moreover, obese people tend to rely more on energy-intensive modes of transport, even for short distances. We must not overlook the direct relationship between weight gain and fuel consumption in all vehicles, such as planes, trains, and cars.

3. The United Arab Emirates has taken the initiative to dedicate a day to health in their program; how do you see this as an ideal opportunity to address the issue of obesity in the context of climate change?

Congratulations to the UAE on the great success of COP28, the most attended event ever. The launch of the first Health Day during this conference demonstrates how serious the countries in the region are in addressing the interconnected challenges of health and climate change. We know that obesity is a health issue that places a significant strain on healthcare systems and on the individuals affected by it. That's why it must be considered when discussing climate change and health. As we have explained before, obesity hurts the environment, which, in turn, negatively affects the availability of healthy food, forcing obese individuals to rely on high-calorie foods.

4. Just as obesity affects climate change, it is also affected by it; can you explain how?

Climate change impacts the natural environment of many plants and animals, thereby affecting the process of accessing healthy food and making people more likely to purchase unhealthy, high-calorie foods and products.

5. What is your message to world leaders at COP28?

In the past, obesity was considered a lifestyle choice. Today, we know that obesity is not a specific lifestyle choice but a disease that results from hereditary factors. We also note an increase in obesity rates in developing regions, where unhealthy foods are available at more affordable prices than healthy foods. So today, we urge world leaders to make serious efforts to address the causes of obesity before it burdens individuals, healthcare systems, and the planet. We believe that societies that provide safe walking paths, free gyms, exercise areas for children and adults, and access to healthy and affordable food can help communities avoid obesity and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Combating obesity requires a collective effort that governments, the healthcare sector, and educational institutions must lead. There is much to do to tackle obesity, but we believe significant progress can be made if we all work together.

6. You launched a campaign against obesity today as part of climate action. Can you tell us more about it?

Obesity and climate change are closely linked, as previously mentioned. We need to treat obesity as a disease that threatens the lives of individuals and places a heavy burden on the well-being of societies and the planet. The promotion by governments and world leaders of concrete measures, such as providing safe and free gyms and physical exercise areas for developing communities, will ensure they have healthy options. Additionally, raising public awareness in general and within health communities about the risks of obesity and how to manage its causes and symptoms better will ensure that those at risk have better chances of leading healthy lives.