Wellness chain VLCC has announced the launch of its largest anti-obesity initiative in Bahrain.

The move signals its commitment to providing a supportive environment for participants to shed excess weight through empowering them with the tools needed to achieve their weight-loss targets, said a statement from VLCC.

As part of the campaign, VLCC has urged residents with weight problems to take the ‘Orange Pledge’. The orange dot, a mnemonic for anti-obesity, symbolizes vivacity and energy and serves as a call to action to motivate people to step out of their comfort zones and take responsibility for their health and well-being.  

Signing up for the Orange Pledge at any VLCC center or online will entitle all registered participants to benefit from complimentary health check-ups and consultations with VLCC’s health and nutrition experts, said the company.

VLCC initiated its anti-obesity drive in the GCC countries seven years ago. This year’s awareness campaign assumes greater significance following alarming statistics that have emerged from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) March 2013 report.

The study has indicated obesity as the primary cause for 44 percent cases of diabetes and 23 percent of heart diseases occurring globally.
Besides, 41 percent of certain cases of cancer are also be attributed to overweight.

Vandana Luthra, the founder and mentor, VLCC, said: "Individuals can be responsible for their own well-being only when they have access to a healthy lifestyle. Our aim is to educate people about the importance of developing wholesome eating habits, implementing a suitable exercise regime, and adopting healthy lifestyle choices."

"The Orange Pledge is all about leading people towards a better quality of life. At VLCC, the core of our business is to transform lives by making fitness, beauty and health accessible to all sections of society and the anti-obesity initiative brings us a step closer to achieving this vision," she stated.

Prafull Dwivedi, the CEO said: “This initiative is particularly close to our hearts. Building on the momentum generated by the anti-obesity campaign in Dubai, we have launched the initiative in Bahrain to motivate residents."

"We plan to reach out to the public with weight loss campaigns, corporate wellness programs, school outreach programs and a number of exciting activities to motivate those battling overweight and obesity,” he explained.

The process of weight loss begins with the calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI) or a weight-for-height index. Based on the results, nutritionists and physical training experts recommend the ideal combination of exercise and diet to help achieve significant weight loss, added Dwivedi.-TradeArabia News Service