Kuwait, as a country with a high prevalence of obesity, is facing serious challenges in preventing this issue. Dr. Mohammed N. Al-Ajmi, an obesity and weight disorders consultant, describes the current state of the country as an "obesogenic environment" where lifestyle and infrastructure contribute to weight gain.
Negative Impacts of Obesity on Public Health
According to reports from the Ministry of Health, nearly 75% of the population of Kuwait is overweight or obese. This high prevalence puts significant pressure on the health system and the economy of the country. It is estimated that obesity will account for nearly two million cases of disease and 961 deaths in 2024. The economic costs associated with obesity are estimated at around 4.3 billion Kuwaiti Dinars, which is equivalent to 1.3 times the total health budget of the country.
Lifestyle and Nutritional Changes
In recent years, access to food through food delivery apps has significantly increased, allowing individuals to receive any type of food at home within minutes. Dr. Al-Ajmi refers to this phenomenon as "food on wheels" and states that this convenience has led to an increase in the number of eating opportunities and a stimulus to eat even when not hungry. Additionally, food advertisements and signage encourage people to eat more.
Moreover, food costs also influence people's choices. Unhealthy foods are often cheaper and more accessible than healthy options. For example, the price of a bag of chips is much lower than a kilogram of fruit or other healthy foods. This easily leads to increased access to unhealthy snacks and reduces the time and effort needed to prepare healthy meals.
Environmental and Social Challenges
Environmental factors also play a role in the increase of obesity. The hot climate of Kuwait and reliance on cars as the primary means of transportation make physical activity difficult for residents. Dr. Al-Ajmi notes that for most of the year, people rely on cars for mobility, and the necessary infrastructure for walking is not fully provided.
The lack of suitable spaces for children's play and exercise is another challenge. In the past, Kuwaiti homes included yards for physical activities, but such spaces are now less common. This situation, along with the limited recreational activities during the hot months, draws people towards comfortable and enclosed places, which are usually associated with food.
Possible Solutions to Improve the Situation
Dr. Al-Ajmi believes that addressing this issue requires multi-level actions. Schools can play an important role in educating children about healthy nutrition and how to prepare nutritious meals. It is also suggested that schools avoid high-calorie options like chips and chocolates and replace them with healthier choices.
In the family environment, parents also play a crucial role in shaping children's eating habits. If parents adopt healthy eating, the entire family will automatically lean towards this lifestyle. However, changes in work and study schedules may make it difficult for families to sit down for meals.
