Workplaces may soon have gyms
DOHA: In-house gyms in workplaces may soon become a reality in Qatar, with employers having been encouraged by health authorities to provide opportunities for physical exercise to their staff.
A senior official of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has said that companies in the public and private sectors have been asked to implement this proposal, in line with the five-year national strategy for nutrition and physical activity (2011- 2016).
Faced with a high rate of obesity and diabetes, Qatar is now waging a national campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle among nationals as well as residents. According to official data, over 50 percent of the population in the country does not engage in any regular physical activity.
The SCH has already set up a special committee to oversee implementation of the national strategy that is part of the National Development Strategy 2011-2016.
“All employers should provide opportunities for physical exercise to their staff at the workplace or they should support the staff to avail of such facilities outside,” said Dr Sheikha Ghanoud bint Mohammed Al Thani, director of Health Promotion and Non-communicable diseases department at SCH, in an interview with Al Sharq.
She stressed that this guideline would apply to private sector companies as well.
The SCH also plans to set up a national database on diseases related to occupational health and conduct a nationwide survey on chronic and non-communicable diseases, said the official.
The national strategy has underlined wellness promotion at the workplace as well as in schools, with government offices taking the lead in promoting health at the workplace through annual health checkups to identify high-risk employees; support to employers in providing facilities (such as separate in-house gyms for men and women); and healthy food in workplace cafeterias.
According to statistics given in the national strategy document, Qatar has the second highest prevalence of overweight and obesity in the GCC region — considerably higher than most OECD countries.
Seventy-one per cent of all residents are overweight (among Qataris, 75 percent). Thirty-two percent of all residents are obese or morbidly obese (among Qataris, 40 percent). The prevalence of childhood obesity is also high: 28 percent of Qatari children are overweight.
Chronic diseases are a major cause of death in Qatar, accounting for 47 per cent of classified deaths in 2008. The occurrence of diabetes among Qataris is 16.7 per cent, the fourth highest rate in the world. The global average is estimated at 6.4 per cent.
The main factors leading to chronic disease have been identified as a change in dietary patterns (increased fast-food consumption) coupled with a sedentary lifestyle (over 50 per cent of the population do not engage in any regular physical activity).
The Peninsula
So many big peoples....more sadly the kids. It wil be nice for them to bring some more healthy options in the restaurant. A fruit salad is more expensive than most burgers.
I heard plans are in advanced stages to make all malls drive through....:)
How about more public parks (and I emphasize 'Public') and less of malls, Pearls, and Kataras?
Is this a proposal by the same government that prevents the cost of sugary drinks from rising above 1.5 Riyals? Seriously, if you want to deal with obesity, try making it more expensive to eat the rubbish that made the people fat in the first place.
HMC doesn't even have their sports facilities for their numerous employees. O yes, in Al Khor where you have to drive 100K to and fro just to avail of a friggin pool!
Some private companies have already installed such facilities way before, knowing too well the full benefits of exercise. They're not only motivated but happy as well!
Oxy Qatar has it, a great idea an must be implmented
Though it sounds nice as I used to enjoy a game of TT before food during lunch break in one of my previous company, I am not sure would this mean even lesser working time here going by the quotient of will to work...
strongly back the proposition. it should be mandatory in some fields like dentists, office jobs... very nice idea. but due to high cost of equipement, maintenance, hygiene, showers, lockers, monitors and safety, i doubt it's applicable to companies of less than 50 or 100 workers. still, for those smaller companies, a membership in a public gym can be required to renew the iqama.
COOL :D not a bad idea
Wallah first they need WORK in offices..
They need gyms in the workplace AND nurseries in workplaces as well!
we need beds under our table :(