WITH only 1.1 million citizens, Kuwait is small but its people are not. Nearly 70 percent of Kuwaiti males over 15 are overweight or obese, according to the World Health Organization. For women, the figures are even worse - slightly over 80 percent. Obesity is a phenomenon also being reported in other Gulf countries which appear in the top 10 of obesity levels, with Qatar coming in fourth, the United Arab Emirates sixth, and Bahrain 10th. Saudi Arabia is not on the list but it would not be surprising if it were. The statistics are frightening. There are about 250,000 people suffering from obesity in Kuwait – one in three - and up to 50,000 of them require surgery. Ten percent are morbidly obese. Apparently, 65 percent of people in Kuwait do not practice or engage in any form of physical activity and 53 percent of young people spend over three hours in front of the television. Eating too much, eating too many of the wrong foods, and a stationary lifestyle are the hallmark of most Gulf countries. People in general have become a sedentary, motionless lot. And nothing is unhealthier than the carb-rich snacks and fast foods - potato chips, fatty burgers, sugary sodas, candy bars – that people eat. As a natural consequence, weight gain has led to an unprecedented rise in obesity-related health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. What's just as disconcerting are the perceived solutions. Instead of eating the proper foods and exercising, many people go for the quick fix. At least 5,000 Kuwaitis, for example, underwent stomach-stapling surgery last year. A one-hour stomach stapling surgery may appeal to many overweight people, but it's not the answer. Many lack awareness of the health consequences of eating fast food regularly. Education about eating smart should be part of the curriculum at school and should start at a young age. Also, there should be more education and information given to the whole family. And a culture which places a high value on dining as a social activity must start to change. There are excellent reasons to be physically active. It's great for oxygen consumption, cardiac output, blood pressure, heart rate and other markers of fitness. Eating proper meals will increase overall fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. People will probably think and feel better about themselves and about others. Climate puts Gulf citizens wanting to stay healthy at a disadvantage. Doctors say walking four miles a day maintains a good heart beat. That would be 10,000 steps a day but who's going to walk so much in a country in which daytime temperatures can reach over 50 degrees Celsius? Gulf temperatures not only make it difficult to undertake physical activity during the day, but encourage a sedentary lifestyle and car culture. However, for many people, the fear of flab is reason enough to exercise and diet. Unfortunately, even though the benefits of both are innumerable, many other people believe we are here to eat and that exercise is an exercise in futility. Either they do not see the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, or they see them but turn the other way.
