Saudi Gazette The modest flowing abaya makes it less obvious, but the truth is that two-thirds of Saudi women are overweight. Several studies have been conducted regarding this issue, including a survey conducted last year by King Fahd Health City in Riyadh, which declared that half of all Saudi women between 30 to 45 years of age are overweight. But what is the reason behind their rapidly increasing weight? Are the women themselves to be blamed or is it just the unhealthy lifestyle of the Kingdom? A group of young researchers resolved to find out in an extensive study carried out across the Kingdom, in which over 1,000 overweight Saudi women were interviewed. Lack of exercise and excessive consumption of unhealthy food topped the list of factors responsible for the rapidly increasing weight of Saudi women. “Sitting at home all day with nothing to do and having maids carry out all the household work tends to make one fat,” said a Saudi housewife, a participant in the survey. She complained that there are not enough fitness centers for women in the Kingdom and that the few that do exist are too expensive. For some Saudi women, its the country's scorching heat that proves to be a major hindrance stopping them from working out. “How can I go out for a walk in the blazing sun wearing an abaya and a veil? Its impossible!” complained another woman who gained five kilos in just two months. “I know my weight is increasing and I really need to shed some pounds, but apart from dieting, there is nothing else that I can do,” she said. “Dieting? What's that?” joked Amal Yusuf, a Saudi housewife, when asked about her opinion on dieting. “The only dieting I do is to have a diet cola after my meals,” she added with humor. She pointed out that rich, oily foods have become a part of her diet and her meals are incomplete without rice and at least one fried item. “I can't help it. My husband and children complain if I don't serve them rice and fried items during meals,” she said. Poor eating habits and the spread of junk food are the main reasons for obesity among Saudi women, said Ayah Kamil, a fitness expert. “A large number of Saudi women personally ask me for diet plans because there are hardly any aerobics classes or walking trails for women in this country,” she said. The unhealthy lifestyle in the Kingdom, of course, aggravates the problem. “It's not just a matter of persuading women to get off their couches,” said Kamil. She added that efforts should be made to increase health awareness among Saudi women. “There should be more fitness centers and gyms for women in the country and special training should be given to them in order to help them change their lifestyle, adopt healthier eating habits and follow strict workout schedules.” __
