Riyadh, June 29, 2025. The capital witnessed the official launch of the “SAHEM” program, a major national effort to combat obesity in Saudi Arabia. Held at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh, the launch event gathered health experts, policymakers, and media professionals from across the Kingdom.
A Shift in Perspective: Obesity as a Chronic Disease
The SAHEM program aims to redefine how obesity is viewed—treating it as a chronic illness rather than a personal failing. It promotes a unified, medical approach that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.
The initiative seeks to develop an integrated health system supported by scientific training, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration among stakeholders.
Expert Insights and Strategy Focus
The event featured leading voices in healthcare, including:
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Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sheikh
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Dr. Saud Al-Safri, Consultant of Internal Medicine
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Dr. Ali Al-Shehri
Dr. Saud Al-Safri stressed the importance of equipping primary care and family physicians with the knowledge and tools needed to address obesity. “We must shift to a practice rooted in science and empathy,” he stated. He emphasized that obesity requires comprehensive solutions, including medical intervention, lifestyle management, and long-term rehabilitation.
Program Highlights and Implementation Plan
SAHEM’s implementation is built on four main pillars:
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Public Awareness Campaigns: Targeting schools, malls, and workplaces through nationwide activities.
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Professional Training: Organizing workshops for doctors, dietitians, and nurses to ensure consistent care aligned with international standards.
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Educational Content: Developing accessible, science-backed material distributed through TV, social media, and digital platforms.
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Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engaging both public and private sectors for a broader and sustainable impact.
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030
Speakers highlighted that SAHEM supports Saudi Vision 2030 by improving public health and quality of life. The program also aims to lower the long-term healthcare and economic burdens caused by obesity.
They further underlined the media’s vital role in reshaping public understanding—presenting obesity as a serious medical issue requiring community-wide action.
Closing and Call for Unified Action
The launch concluded with a strong call for collaboration among regulatory authorities, scientific bodies, healthcare professionals, and the media.
Key recommendations included:
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Supporting regulatory frameworks for obesity care.
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Creating a national registry for obesity-related data.
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Ensuring ongoing research and evaluation of outcomes.
Final Note:
The SAHEM program marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s public health journey, with the potential to transform lives through early intervention, professional readiness, and community engagement. By uniting science and communication, the Kingdom takes a firm step toward a healthier future.
