JEDDAH: Overweight or obese people needed to change their lifestyle habits or run the risk of complications in the event of contracting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Saudi health officials have warned.
There was no time like the present to adopt a healthier approach to eating, said Saudi assistant minister of health and ministry spokesman, Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly.
“Obese people are in the high-risk category. Obesity that is considered to cause diseases has a higher chance of causing complications in COVID-19 patients.
“It is important to remind ourselves and those around us that this is an opportunity to change our lifestyle and take care of our health; it is an opportunity to return to your ideal weight.
“It is important not only to protect oneself from the virus and its complications, but a wide spectrum of diseases related to obesity,” he added.
Al-Aly pointed out the vital need for people to continue to follow health and safety rules aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.
“Since the pandemic is still ongoing, we should continue to take precautionary measures including wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings. We can return carefully following these instructions,” he said.
He noted that COVID-19 patients should try to avoid becoming overconcerned about their health as excessive worrying could have a damaging effect on emotional and physical well-being.
“Being overly fearful and anxious is not acceptable. An overreaction is sometimes worse than contracting a certain disease. COVID-19 patients must not panic and should remind themselves that most cases are curable, and most patients have recovered and responded well to treatment, even critical ones.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that another 27 people had died after contracting COVID-19, taking the death toll to 3,956. There were 816 new cases reported in the Kingdom, meaning 317,486 people had now had the disease. Officials said 21,020 cases were active, with 1,523 patients in critical condition.
According to the Ministry of Health, Madinah and Hail recorded the highest number of new cases in the Kingdom with 45 each, while Riyadh reported 44, and Jeddah 43.
In addition, 996 more patients had recovered from COVID-19, taking the total number of recoveries in the Kingdom to 292,510.
Saudi Arabia had so far conducted 5,160,518 polymerase chain reaction tests, with 52,643 checks having been carried out in the last 24-hour period.
Tackling obesity key to cutting risk of COVID-19 complications
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Tackling obesity key to cutting risk of COVID-19 complications
- Health Ministry reports 816 new coronavirus cases, 996 recoveries, 27 deaths
Winter at Tantora Festival returns to AlUla, showcasing rich cultural heritage
- Festival now established as a premier annual event
AlUla: The Winter at Tantora Festival launched on Thursday in AlUla. It runs until Jan. 10 and presents a cultural season which celebrates the region’s rich civilizational, cultural, and historic legacy.
The festival’s program includes a wide array of cultural, artistic, and traditional activities, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Attractions include Old Town Nights, Shorfat Tantora, When Shadow Tracks Us, and the Al-Manshiyah Carnival.
FASTFACT
In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities.
In addition, there are guided tours of street art through the Old Town, special events commemorating the Year of Handicrafts, culinary experiences, and artistic and musical performances.
The festival derives its name from the Tantora, an ancient sundial situated in the Old Town’s center. In the past, AlUla’s inhabitants used this clock to measure time and coordinate their agricultural activities. The modern festival honors this tradition by marking the onset of winter and the start of the planting season.
This year’s edition offers a range of experiences to celebrate heritage, genuine local culture, and traditional craftsmanship.
As part of AlUla Moments, the Winter at Tantora Festival supports efforts to boost cultural and tourist engagement while enhancing the visitor experience.
The initiative reflects Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to advancing cultural tourism and promoting the Kingdom’s historic landmarks.
The festival has established itself as one of AlUla’s premier annual events, consistently attracting both domestic and international audiences.
