Now in its third year, the annual Weight Loss Show is a weekend dedicated to showcasing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and introduces visitors to the classes, companies, diet plans and mindset to help them achieve it. If you’ve lost your way a little with your new year healthy eating plan, or just need a few more tips, the free show has a number of different zones to help you find the encouragement to get back or stay on the wagon.

This year’s event takes place on January 27 and 28 at Dubai International Marine Club (next to Barasti at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi) and, according to event director Niousha Ehsan, there’s even more to look forward to at the 2012 event. ‘We have a beautiful venue this year – there’s a huge outdoor element including basketball courts, where we will hold the U Concept fitness challenge,’ she explains. It’s the first year the show will be hosting this sort of challenge, with participation open to both individuals and teams, and Ehsan believes it will be a big hit with male attendees. ‘It’s one of the most unique challenges in Dubai,’ she explains. ‘We’re building a huge setup of rowing machines, pull-up banners, heavy weight-lifting and more. We’re not revealing anything more before the day. We want it to be a surprise.’ While she can’t give away any more details, Ehsan does let us in on what to expect from the show’s five zones.

Fit zone
Be sure to bring your gym gear along or arrive dressed in your workout kit, because the fit zone will be home to a large stage on which a wide variety of free workout sessions will take place throughout both days of the show. ‘From morning to night, every hour, we have different classes and different demos, from karate to body combat, zumba (pictured) to sh’bam dance [fun dance moves set to pop hits]. Alternatively, you can just watch the demos and decide whether you’re more of a yoga person, or something more active. The idea is to find out what you like,’ Ehsan explains.

Info zone
There will be a number of seminars across the weekend, from nutrition and fitness educators and local experts. Friday’s talks kick off at 11am with ‘There’s only one way to lose weight’ by Dr Ryan Penny, followed by others such as ‘Life beyond headaches’ with Dr Jeff Finnigan, ‘The shocking truth about sugar’ by Bernadette Abraham, ‘Too much aerobics makes you fat, slow and stupid’ by Rob Richards and ‘Tackling childhood obesity’ by Laura Turner. A paid seminar, titled ‘Big, Basic and Bite-Sized’, takes place on Saturday, with Dr Ryan Penny and Bernadette Abraham focusing on the keys to long-term weight loss.

Good Eats zone
‘The Good Eats zone is all about things that are nutritious and yet still delicious, so it focuses on the things you should eat to maintain a healthy lifestyle,’ explains Ehsan. ‘There’s an educational element about the importance of hydration, as well as looking at what you should eat, answering questions such as, “What is a healthy breakfast to have?”’ Within the zone, expect to find nutritionists, dieticians, live cooking stations and chefs from around Dubai creating healthy recipes.

Exhibition zone
Of the 50-plus exhibitors covering every possible area of health, fitness and weight loss, all will be offering attendees who sign up on the spot a discount on their normal service prices. If you’re looking for a January bargain, you’ve all the more reason to step in.

Kids’ energiser zone
There will be two areas for kids, split into age groups, with one area for those aged two to seven and another for those aged seven to 16. While the first group will be a place to drop off younger children, they will also learn about making the right food choices, while the older group will be able to participate in a variety of fun classes.

The Weight Loss Show takes place on January 27-28 at Dubai International Marine Club. Entry is free. For more info, see www.weightlossshow.ae