A poor body image can be damaging to health, regardless of the weight of the person. AFP
A poor body image can be damaging to health, regardless of the weight of the person. AFP

It’s time to remove the stigma attached to people's weight



With reference to your news article Lack of sleep exacerbating obesity rates among children, study reveals (December 16), those living with obesity can feel stigmatised. Ending weight stigma is one the World Obesity Federation's top five policy priorities and was the focus of this year's World Obesity Day. There are many scientific studies associating obesity with a variety of serious medical conditions. However, there are also studies that indicate that weight stigma plays a fundamental role in the development of some medical conditions. For example, it has been found that weight stigma, independent of actual obesity, correlates with increased stress hormone levels. Stress has been found to impact multiple areas of health such as blood pressure, cardiac health, visceral fat levels and insulin resistance.

We believe weight stigma is contributing considerably towards the globally rising obesity levels. We are working in four distinct areas to tackle the stigma experienced by people with obesity, including education for healthcare professionals and the wider population, and campaigning for a fair portrayal of people with obesity in the media by recommending the use of non-stigmatising imagery.

Johanna Ralston, chief executive, World Obesity Foundation

The UAE’s support of Pakistan is a wonderful gesture

It is an extremely sincere and brotherly gesture of the UAE government to stand by Pakistan in its hour of financial need by pledging support of $3 billion to boost the nation's liquidity.

Every Pakistani is grateful for this, and for many other UAE-sponsored welfare projects in Pakistan. We thank the rulers and the government of the UAE.

Mohammad Hamza, Dubai

Saving the environment doesn’t have to cost citizens

I write with reference to your opinion piece Paying people to reduce their carbon footprint could be the answer to climate change (December 16). In her comparison of the yellow vest protests in France, kickstarted by a fuel tax rise, and the revenue-neutral tax policy in Canada, columnist Rashmee Roshan Lall illustrated how climate policies work best when they don't punish ordinary working people.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

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Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

PAKISTAN v SRI LANKA

Twenty20 International series
Thu Oct 26, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
Fri Oct 27, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
Sun Oct 29, 3rd T20I, Lahore

Tickets are available at www.q-tickets.com

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”