Eighty per cent of residents feel they gain weight during Ramadan due to unrestrained, high-calorie eating and reduced levels of physical activity, according to a study.

The survey conducted by VLCC, a leading beauty, slimming and preventive healthcare brand, added that nearly 90 per cent of residents would like to go for a fitness regime through weight loss, diet therapy and nutritional counseling during Ramadan.

Nearly 80 per cent of the respondents were keen to go for nutritional counseling and a weight management program at VLCC, the study said.

The survey involved nearly 1,000 respondents, including GCC nationals, Arab and Asian expatriates across UAE, Oman and Bahrain, on lifestyle changes during Ramadan and their preferred fitness programme.

“The analysis involving respondents in the GCC revealed insightful details into the lifestyle changes during Ramadan,” said Sanjeev Setia, marketing manager, VLCC International at VLCC.

“While the broad results were understandable, when diets go for a toss and people generally tend to put on excess weight considering the irregular food habits and reduced activity, we realized that nutritional counseling is the most preferred services sought during Ramadan,” he added.

In response to the survey, VLCC has launched a complimentary weight maintenance programme designed exclusively as a tribute to Ramadan.

The programme emphasises the importance of healthy eating and maintaining weight in spite of irregular eating and sleep patterns. It involves dietary counseling where VLCC nutritional experts guide patrons on eating habits and advise them on extra precautionary measures to be taken during Ramadan.

Setia continued: “Ramadan brings in spiritual enlightenment for the body and soul and there is no reason why one should not continue to enjoy the blessed month’s providence.”

“Keeping in mind the changes in lifestyle, particularly dietary, we have designed this special Weight maintenance package free of cost for our valued patrons.”

The process essentially includes a modification in the diet, activity and lifestyle, planned on an individualised basis, he added.

VLCC adopts a scientific and holistic approach to problems related with excessive weight-gain by creating a negative calorie balance. All VLCC sessions and therapies will be decided on individual assessment, it said in a statement.

The slimming programmes are strictly based on scientific principles and do not involve crash diets, artificial food packages, strenuous exercises or appetite suppressants, the statement added. – TradeArabia News Service