Greetings from the COPTER team!
We are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Center for Obesity Prevention, Treatment, Education, and Research (COPTER) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU). Our dedicated faculty has worked diligently to create a professional and comprehensive approach to combat obesity, addressing the prevalent health challenges in Lebanon and contributing to global efforts in this domain.
The Center aims to provide a multi-dimensional approach to combat obesity and offers a professional setting on NDU ground. This setting will cater to NDU staff, faculty members, students, and the wider community in the future. Our committed team of eligible faculty members will deliver trustworthy medical-nutrition therapy, assisting individuals in reaching their health goals and providing ongoing support.
Obesity-related health conditions are significant contributors to preventable premature death globally, costing billions of dollars annually. In Lebanon, almost two-thirds (67.3%) of the population grapples with excess weight (WHO 2014). Furthermore, our previous studies have indicated high rates of overweight and obesity among NDU students (40%) and staff (64%).
COPTER's mission is to empower individuals to lead healthier lives, transform communities through comprehensive obesity interventions, and contribute to groundbreaking research. Our future team will include physicians, dietitians, physical trainers, and psychotherapists. To kickstart this initiative, COPTER's current team consists of Dr. Sibelle El Hayek, Ms. Maria Aoun, and Ms. Amira Hanna.
As its name suggests, COPTER will focus on prevention, treatment, education, and research while actively engaging with our community. Here's an overview of the planned activities:
Prevention:
Developing and implementing obesity-prevention programs for various age groups, emphasizing healthy eating habits and physical activity.
Treatment:
Providing clinical services with a multi-disciplinary approach, including medical and behavioral interventions to manage and reduce weight.
Education:
Raising awareness about the causes, consequences, and prevention of obesity through community outreach, workshops, and educational resources.
Research:
Conducting innovative research to deepen our understanding of physiological, psychological, and societal factors influencing obesity.
Community Engagement:
Establishing a supportive community through events, support groups, and online platforms to encourage an open dialogue and shared knowledge.
COPTER's ultimate goal is to reduce the prevalence of obesity, improve the health of affected individuals, and contribute to a broader understanding of this complex health issue. We are committed to addressing the challenges of obesity and fostering a healthier, more informed, and supportive community.
Thank you for your support as we embark on this important journey together.
Antoine Aoun, MD, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Director of COPTER
NDU Physician for Students