Nine out of 10 UAE residents want to be healthier

Fifty-nine per cent of respondents who want to get in better shape are eating healthier food, while 42 per cent are doing more exercise.

ABU DHABI // Ayesha Al Mehairi has been wanting to shed weight for months, but a hectic schedule holds the 24-year-old Emirati media coordinator back.

“I have been wanting to lose about nine kilograms for the past three months but I am unable to stick to the diet,” says Ms Al Mehairi, of Abu Dhabi.

“Also, I don’t get time to exercise as I am too exhausted after work and need to give my family time.”

Ms Al Mehairi is one of many residents who say their lifestyles stop them getting into better shape.

The National’s survey found nine out of 10 residents want to be fitter or healthier, but their hectic lifestyles get in the way.

“I have to wake up early to leave for work,” says Ms Al Mehairi. “I used to attend aerobic classes several times a week a year ago.

“Ever since I started working I just can’t find the time. The biggest hurdle for me in my effort to lose weight is finding the time to exercise.”

She walks around a little at work but apart from that she does not get any exercise.

“My workplace does not have a gym but we have a treadmill at home,” says Ms Al Mehairi.

“I love going to aerobic classes but they are usually in the afternoon and I am at work at that time.

“I love jogging and running but don’t find the time for either because of my erratic work schedule. I get a day off but apart from that there is just no time.”

John Mullick, an Indian, says his shift work as a chef means he often gives in to unhealthy habits.

“I do cook for myself but sometimes I am tired of cooking the entire day,” says Mr Mullick, 39.

“My job ensures that I am on my feet the entire day and that is the only exercise I get.”

Six in 10 of those who want to be in better shape say busy schedules and a lack of time thwart their ambitions.

Others say food and fitness are too confusing, and yet others say they cannot afford to attend the gym and buy healthier food.

“I think sometimes people find it’s an easy way out by saying they have no time and are too busy,” says Rashi Chowdhary, a nutrition expert from Dubai.

“I agree life can get a little hectic for us all and it sometimes can feel like there are not enough hours in the day, but when it comes to eating healthy, preparation is key.

“Take one or two evenings out of your week to prepare your meals for the next coming days.

“Cook a big batch of chicken to your liking, either roasted or grilled. Boil eggs to keep in the fridge. Always stock salad bits, spinach, tomatoes or cucumber.

“These are all low on cost, quick and can feed you for a few meals.”

When most people get tired they opt for foods packed with sugars and preservatives, but these are a quick source of energy and will only end in people feeling more tired, Ms Chowdhary says.

Six in 10 respondents who want to get in better shape are eating healthier food to maintain or improve their health, while 42 per cent are doing more exercise.

But the survey found one in 10 respondents who want to get in better shape are not doing anything to improve their lifestyle.

When asked, about 40 per cent of the survey respondents class themselves as overweight whereas 33 per cent say a member of their family is overweight.

Of the respondents, 294 are from Abu Dhabi, 492 from Dubai, 130 from Sharjah, and the rest are from the Northern Emirates or declined to specify.