Saudi Arabia Takes Measures to Combat Obesity and Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Saudi Arabia is taking measures to combat obesity and promote healthy lifestyles, with the aim of empowering communities across the Kingdom to be as active and healthy as possible.
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, president of the Saudi Sports for All Federation, emphasized the importance of physical activity in helping people lead healthy lives and its positive impact on society.
Recent data from the Kingdom's leading health bodies indicate an increase in childhood obesity, with 10.5 percent of children being overweight and 4.1 percent being obese.
To address this issue, the Saudi government is committed to providing seamless and equal access to engaging, world-class sporting events, competitions, and amenities for all citizens, residents, and tourists, regardless of age, gender, background, or ability.
The SFA highlights the important role physical activity plays in curbing the rise of obesity rates, and works to ensure all members of society are equipped with the tools and support to practice daily physical activities.
One Saudi businessman, Mohammed Munshi, who had struggled with his weight for years, developed diabetes mellitus after his excessive consumption of sugary drinks resulted in a bitter taste in his mouth that altered the taste of everything, including water.
He experienced nausea, anxiety, and consumed sugary drinks excessively due to the strange symptoms.
Munshi's doctors discovered that his blood sugar levels had reached a dangerous level of 900, resulting in diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
For a week after his diagnosis, he was not allowed to eat, his water intake was restricted to just three bottle caps per day, and he received daily insulin doses to balance his levels.
The Saudi government's commitment to promoting healthy diets and active lifestyles is part of its Vision 2030 plan to create a healthier population and improve quality of life.
The World Health Organization reports that approximately 4 million deaths per year are associated with obesity, making it a significant global health concern at all levels of society.
Saudi Arabia is taking steps to combat this trend by empowering communities to lead healthy lives The Summer Camps Program, launched by the Saudi Fitness Association (SFA) in 2018, is designed to promote the benefits of physical activity for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17.
The program emphasizes the positive impact of sport on young lives and communities, with the aim of combating obesity and other health issues from an early stage.
According to the General Authority for Statistics, more than 48.2% of the Saudi population now engage in physical activity for over half an hour per week, thanks to the SFA's diverse range of health and fitness programs, experiences, and partnerships.
However, concerns have been raised about the lack of education in schools regarding healthy dietary habits.
Dr. Nabeela Al-Abdullah, an associate professor of public health and epidemiology at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, has highlighted the need for more public health awareness campaigns that target both vulnerable communities and wider society.
Obesity is a complex disease that has reached pandemic levels worldwide, with the majority of cases attributed to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets.
While genetics and environment play a role, dietary choices and lifestyle factors are key contributors.
Mona Anan Aldubyan, a dietician specializing in obesity and weight management, stresses the importance of finding a balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of obesity.
Obesity is a long and ongoing battle that requires consistent efforts to overcome.
For individuals like Munshi, who are determined to make a change, interventions and awareness campaigns can be highly effective in helping them achieve their goals.
Munshi, who was once struggling with his weight, has made tremendous progress in recent months.
He now works out five times a week, follows a healthy diet, and has seen significant improvements in his blood sugar levels.
His ultimate goal is to be able to play football with his son, something that he previously thought was impossible.
By staying committed to his health and wellness journey, Munshi is an inspiration to others who may be struggling with obesity and other related health issues.
Recent data from the Kingdom's leading health bodies indicate an increase in childhood obesity, with 10.5 percent of children being overweight and 4.1 percent being obese.
To address this issue, the Saudi government is committed to providing seamless and equal access to engaging, world-class sporting events, competitions, and amenities for all citizens, residents, and tourists, regardless of age, gender, background, or ability.
The SFA highlights the important role physical activity plays in curbing the rise of obesity rates, and works to ensure all members of society are equipped with the tools and support to practice daily physical activities.
One Saudi businessman, Mohammed Munshi, who had struggled with his weight for years, developed diabetes mellitus after his excessive consumption of sugary drinks resulted in a bitter taste in his mouth that altered the taste of everything, including water.
He experienced nausea, anxiety, and consumed sugary drinks excessively due to the strange symptoms.
Munshi's doctors discovered that his blood sugar levels had reached a dangerous level of 900, resulting in diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
For a week after his diagnosis, he was not allowed to eat, his water intake was restricted to just three bottle caps per day, and he received daily insulin doses to balance his levels.
The Saudi government's commitment to promoting healthy diets and active lifestyles is part of its Vision 2030 plan to create a healthier population and improve quality of life.
The World Health Organization reports that approximately 4 million deaths per year are associated with obesity, making it a significant global health concern at all levels of society.
Saudi Arabia is taking steps to combat this trend by empowering communities to lead healthy lives The Summer Camps Program, launched by the Saudi Fitness Association (SFA) in 2018, is designed to promote the benefits of physical activity for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17.
The program emphasizes the positive impact of sport on young lives and communities, with the aim of combating obesity and other health issues from an early stage.
According to the General Authority for Statistics, more than 48.2% of the Saudi population now engage in physical activity for over half an hour per week, thanks to the SFA's diverse range of health and fitness programs, experiences, and partnerships.
However, concerns have been raised about the lack of education in schools regarding healthy dietary habits.
Dr. Nabeela Al-Abdullah, an associate professor of public health and epidemiology at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, has highlighted the need for more public health awareness campaigns that target both vulnerable communities and wider society.
Obesity is a complex disease that has reached pandemic levels worldwide, with the majority of cases attributed to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets.
While genetics and environment play a role, dietary choices and lifestyle factors are key contributors.
Mona Anan Aldubyan, a dietician specializing in obesity and weight management, stresses the importance of finding a balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of obesity.
Obesity is a long and ongoing battle that requires consistent efforts to overcome.
For individuals like Munshi, who are determined to make a change, interventions and awareness campaigns can be highly effective in helping them achieve their goals.
Munshi, who was once struggling with his weight, has made tremendous progress in recent months.
He now works out five times a week, follows a healthy diet, and has seen significant improvements in his blood sugar levels.
His ultimate goal is to be able to play football with his son, something that he previously thought was impossible.
By staying committed to his health and wellness journey, Munshi is an inspiration to others who may be struggling with obesity and other related health issues.
