Shahd Alhamdan

Saudi Gazette

 

When Arabs hear of a person heading to Morocco, they often ask why they are going as many assume the country is void of attractions and leisure activities.



However, this assumption is no longer the case following the launch of the Apres Maroc program.



Apres Maroc—which is French for “After Morocco”—is a two-week trip to Morocco that some Saudis undergo to lose weight and introduce healthy changes in their lifestyles.



Sara Madani, one of those behind the program, said the concept was developed to help people become healthy. “We have all been to spas and around the world to change our lifestyles.



However, it is unfortunate that it doesn’t last long. We lose 5 kilograms a week and then regain the weight in a day,” said Madani.



“So, after two years of study we decided to teach people how to change their lifestyles. What began as a small and private enterprise has now been made open to the public.



The first public trip took place last June,” she added. Morocco has been selected as the venue for the program due to the country’s clean air and its political stability.



“The program we offer has been developed by a number of experts who we have on board. We have four psychologists, a nutritionist and a trainer,” said Madani, adding that the program is all about helping people make life-altering changes.



The trip costs, she said, between $9,000 and $10,000. “The benefit of the program is that it will help people know themselves in terms of their health and realize how strong they are and that they need to change their lifestyles,” she added.



Participants are provided with follow-up care once they return to the Kingdom for around six months. Madani said that what Apres Morocco is offering is an alternative to dangerous weight loss surgery.



She added that many people have joined the program. “The obstacle that we face is that it’s a new idea that has never been done so it needs more awareness and exposure.



There is a lot of resistant towards travelling but they need to understand that you must leave where you live for a couple of weeks so you can communicate with yourself,” said Madani.