The Odesa City Health Department has launched a new initiative called 'Odesa Monitors Healthy Weight'.

The primary goal of this project is to reduce obesity rates among adults and children, prevent related diseases, and enhance the quality and longevity of life for Odesa residents.

'Fighting excessive weight is a strategic priority that has long been recognized in many countries. Less than half of Ukrainians maintain a healthy weight, and the majority are overweight. Weight management and conscious eating are essential for health and longevity,' said Levon Nikogosyan, director of the city health department.

As part of this initiative, over 350 family doctors and pediatricians, along with primary care nurses, will be trained on obesity, its treatment, and prevention.

Leading specialists from the Department of Family Medicine at Odesa National Medical University and the Odesa Regional Family Medicine Association will conduct the training.

The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics: how to counsel adult patients and children, proper nutrition, feeding children, monitoring dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns. Screening studies for detecting excess weight and obesity-related diseases will also be implemented.

The first session of the project will begin on March 4, 2025, at the Primary Health Care Center No. 4. The first group consists of 15 doctors and 15 family nurses who will undergo a two-day professional school on obesity and motivational interviewing with patients.

'Obesity is not just an aesthetic issue; it is a serious chronic disease. For a long time, a person may not feel any pain, but over the years, blood pressure can rise, fat can accumulate in liver cells, leading to fatty liver disease, which may eventually progress to liver cancer, increased blood sugar levels can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. An obese person can suffer from diabetes for years without even knowing it. This is compounded by cardiovascular complications, heart attacks, strokes, and more,' emphasized Valentina Velychko, director of the Children's Consultative and Diagnostic Center named after Acad. B.Ya. Reznik.

Doctors provide simple life-saving advice:

1. When thirsty, drink plain water. Never consume sugary drinks between meals; quench your thirst with simple water.

2. Aim for at least half a kilogram of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. They are high in water and fiber, which will keep you feeling full longer.

3. Dedicate one hour each day to increasing physical activity, whether it’s brisk walking, squats, or exercise.