In a powerful move to mark World Obesity Day on March 4, 2026, the NCD Prevention and Control Program (NCD PCP) of the CBC Health Services hosted a specialized workshop designed to transform how obesity is understood and managed in the Northwest Region. The session brought together an essential demographic of fitness coaches and persons living with obesity for a deep dive into the clinical realities of the condition.
Led by Program Manager, Mr. Takwe Boniface, the workshop moved beyond surface-level discussions to provide a sophisticated overview of the classification, determinants, and various types of obesity. Mr. Takwe emphasized that managing the condition requires a holistic approach, focusing not just on individual food intake and lifestyle choices, but also on the significant environmental factors and risk factors that shape daily health.
The workshop offered a comprehensive look at the pillars of prevention and daily management, bridging the gap between medical theory and practical application. Participants received expert nutritional guidance from Program Officer and Nutritionist, Mrs. Nfor Shirley who provided actionable tips for sustainable dietary changes.
Complementing the nutritional focus, Sports Coordinator, Mr. Monju Elvis delivered a detailed presentation on physical activity tailored to the needs of those living with obesity. He helped coaches and patients distinguish between aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, and balance exercises, explaining when each is most appropriate. Crucially, Mr. Monju Elvis also identified specific exercises to avoid based on a person’s health status, reinforcing the message that obesity is a complex, manageable condition requiring evidence-based strategies rather than dangerous “quick fixes”.
Recognizing the frequent link between obesity and chronic metabolic complications, the workshop included a vital session on diabetic foot care led by Dr. Beverly Nyanganji. This presentation focused on life-saving interventions to prevent injuries and infections that can compromise mobility and quality of life. Dr. Nyanganji explained how diabetes affects the entire system and shared critical warning signs that necessitate an immediate hospital visit, such as numbness, tingling, or wounds that fail to heal within three days. She also highlighted physical indicators like redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or dark skin changes. By focusing on these prevention methods, the session aimed at reducing the risk of severe complications that often follow unmanaged metabolic challenges.
The day concluded with participants expressing a deep sense of satisfaction with the lessons gathered. The fitness coaches, in particular, noted a renewed commitment to their sporting groups, recognizing the need to intensify checks on what their clients eat, the types of shoes they wear, and the overall lifestyle choices they make. By empowering both those living with obesity and the professionals who guide them, the CBC Health Services has reinforced the idea that education, combined with consistent community support, is the most effective tool in changing the narrative surrounding obesity and NCD prevention.
