Abbott stand runs BMI testing at Arab Health to detect obesity

BMI is an expression of height and weight data used to chart body fatness. A high BMI is associated with greater risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, stroke and certain cancers.

A person's BMI is calculated by dividing their weight (in kg) by their height squared (m2). People of average weight have a BMI between 18.5 and 25, and people with a BMI of 25 to 30 are considered overweight, while people with a BMI of more than 30 are considered obese.

"Obesity is a chronic medical condition that is associated with a number of secondary diseases and medical complications," said Ibrahim Aql, General Manager for Abbott Laboratories, Gulf Region. "In most cases, obesity is a treatable condition, and one in which even a moderate reduction in weight can contribute to health benefits. Research indicates that a sustained loss of 5 percent to 10 percent of total body weight may result in significant and measurable health benefits, such as the reduction of risks for diabetes and heart disease."

Abbott Laboratories is showcasing Reductil, a once-daily prescription treatment for the long-term management of obesity and overweight. Reductil has demonstrated effectiveness for both weight loss and maintenance of weight loss. Reductil is the first of a new generation of weight management products that works centrally in the brain and causes patients to feel satisfied with less food.