A 1997 study on obesity among adult Saudis, aged 14 and above, showed 27.23 percent of males and 25.20 percent of females were overweight. There was 13.05 percent obesity among males and 20.26 percent among females. The study did not focus on children but of course overweight children have a higher risk of becoming obese adults. Obesity is a concern because of health problems associated with it.
Some of those are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, cerebral and peripheral vascular disease, osteoarthritis, gout, gastrointestinal and uterine cancers and diseases of the female reproductive tract.
Researchers at the Center for Disease Control in the United States say obesity-related child hospitalizations have increased alarmingly in the past 20 years. They blame high-calorie snack foods and soft drinks plus a more sedentary life based on TV and computer games. Busy parents who opt for quicker, high-calorie meals are also at fault.
While genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of diabetes, there are other factors more common in the Saudi population. There is our high consumption of dates and carbohydrate-rich foods, the hot climate that discourages individuals from exercise and cars being used even for short distances. Too many of our social occasions focus on food — and not the sort of food which is best for our health.
In Jeddah more people are becoming aware of the problem of overweight and obesity and are choosing to exercise by walking or jogging at various locations around the city or by joining a health club. Unfortunately for a variety of reasons, these options are not available to everyone.
The Dr. Suleiman Fakeeh Hospital Health Center is one of the best equipped in Jeddah; it offers complete facilities for different sports and exercise programs. In summer when children have more time on their hands, the SFH Health Center provides special programs for children aged 8 to 12 and for 12 to 16. The programs range from aerobics to tennis and swimming. As for children under 7, the Center allocates an entire floor to them where they can participate in games and activities.
Amira Al-Sharbini, the director of the Center’s women section, said that there were also nutritionists available for adults and children who need advice on their diets. She noted that more boys than girls attend their programs and spend more time using their facilities.
Once school starts, the best place for children to exercise is at school but not all our schools are equipped with the place, facilities and programs for exercise and sports — particularly girls’ schools. There is a lack of concern for the health of our young girls. Not only do most girls’ schools lack a proper area where students can play but the schools also fail to provide them with healthy meals and snacks.
Social, economic and other restrictions put the responsibility in the hands of parents who must find the time and place for them and their children to exercise. The parents must also see that their children are provided healthy, balanced meals. Experts recommend that for a child to lose weight, the whole family should be involved and the whole family should decided on a more healthy lifestyle.
Following are some general tips:
— Try to reduce the consumption of fatty food; use skimmed milk, margarine, brown bread and sugar-free products.
— Eat foods with a high-fiber content such as vegetables and salads.
— Do not always fry food; try boiling, steaming, roasting or poaching.
— Do not allow children to eat while watching television. They tend to eat without thinking and so to eat more than is good for them.
— Do not allow junk food in the house.
— Encourage your child to take up a sport — even simple walking or perhaps a sport such as badminton. Join in with your child and make it a family affair.
Finally, awareness programs must be formulated to increase information on obesity, its harmful effects and the measures which can prevent it. Surely changes must be made to the Saudi lifestyle and we must start with our children and reduce the dangerous tendency to obesity.
Source: arabnews.com
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