Kuwait, as a country with a high prevalence of obesity, faces 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 a "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 ٧٥% of Kuwait's population is overweight or obese. This high prevalence puts significant pressure on the health system and the country's economy. It is estimated that obesity will account for nearly two million cases of disease and ٩٦١ deaths in ٢٠٢٤. The economic costs associated with obesity are estimated to be around ٤.٣ billion Kuwaiti Dinars, equivalent to ١.٣ 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 prompted eating even when not hungry. Additionally, food advertisements and signage guide people towards eating 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 food items. This easily leads to greater access to unhealthy snacks and reduces the time and effort required to prepare healthy meals.
Environmental and Social Challenges
Environmental factors also play a role in increasing obesity. Kuwait's hot climate and reliance on cars as the primary means of transportation make physical activity difficult for residents. Dr. Al-Ajmi points out 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 sports is another challenge. In the past, Kuwaiti homes included yards for physical activities, but now these spaces are less common. This situation, along with the limited recreational activities available during the hot months, draws individuals towards comfortable, indoor places that are often 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 chocolate and replace them with healthier choices.
In the family environment, parents also play an important role in shaping children's eating habits. If parents adopt healthy eating, the entire family will naturally gravitate towards this lifestyle. However, changes in work and study schedules may make it difficult for families to sit down for meals together.
