In a build-up to Anti-Obesity Day on November 26^th, leadingwellness and beauty brand VLCC today announced the launch of its annual anti-obesity campaign to raise greater awareness aboutthe ill effects of this global pandemic.

“Stand Up Qatar”, is a public awareness campaign that seeks to make people aware of the pitfalls of prolonged sitting, urging them to be more active. People who sit for 6-7hours every day are at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and shorter life spans as well as becoming over-weight, even if they exercise, say studies.

A report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in January 2015 finds that long hours of sitting increases an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

This risk can be cut down by standing for at least one-fourth of the day, observes a study by the American Cancer Society in collaboration with The Cooper Institute, the University of Texas and the University of Georgia.

“Prolonged sitting is the ‘new smoking’. While all of us are concerned about our health, constantly looking out for alternatives to help us stay fit like eating healthy or working out, we ignore what is the most basic:  the time we spend sitting down”, says Mrs VandanaLuthra, Founder, VLCC.

“I urge you to stand up for your health. Log on to www.orangepledge.com and take the Orange Pledge if you agree to ‘stand up’ against obesity.”

Starting November 14^th, VLCC’s anti-obesity campaign will, through a series of public initiatives that includes workshops, health camps and counseling sessions, seeks to make people aware of the dangers of obesity.

Commencing with food label-reading sessions that will be held across prominent hypermarkets and supermarkets across Qatar, renowned dieticians will educate the people on how to know the nutritional value of food to ensure healthy eating.

VLCC will also launch its ‘Adopt a Client’ initiative where over 40 clients will be adopted across all VLCC Wellness Centres, GCC-wide. Trained Relationship Managers assigned to theclients will help them through their journey in battling obesity and other weight-related issues.

For the finale, VLCC is organizing a ‘Stand-A-Thon’ event. Participants will be asked to standup in one position for the longest duration without moving. The event is open to all and interested persons can visit the campaign website www.orangepledge.com to register.

Moreover, people visiting VLCCCentres can click a picture with the orange dotat the centre and upload it to social media platforms with the hashtag #standuptoslimdown. Lucky winners will get a chance to win a free weight management treatment at VLCC.

About Anti-Obesity Day

Anti-Obesity Day was founded in 2001 by Mrs. VandanaLuthra, Founder, VLCC, whoinitiated the first step towards launching a campaign to create an awareness about obesity - a public health hazard which was spreading globally.The “Orange Dot” is an icon representingthe brand’s ongoingfight against obesity.

Taking the Orange Pledge (www.orangepledge.com) means one symbolically agrees to fight obesity and lead a healthier life. The month-longdrive by VLCC includes talk shows with health experts, health camps, counselling sessions along with healthy living propagation through media sources among other campaigns and activities.