Download OBESITY THREATENS THE SAUDI COMMUNITY

OBESITY THREATENS THE SAUDI COMMUNITY
Obesity is a disease
Some people may be under the impression that obesity is simply a shape-up or
appearance issue. This is not true! Obesity is regarded as one of today’s most
common diseases. Data gathered from around the world shows a rapid increase in
the prevalence of obesity in the past 10-15 years. Obesity tends to be more common
in highly industrialized (developed) countries and upper-class societies where there
is a sedentary lifestyle with minimal dependence on exercise. A typical example
could be Saudi society.
Some alarming statistics quoted in leading publications stated that about 66 percent
of Saudi women are overweight. Approximately 52 percent of the adult population in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is obese while among adolescents it is 18 percent. Over
15 percent of pre – schools are also victims of Obesity. These figures reflect the
seriousness of the disease especially that obesity can lead to a variety of diseases
such as diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases, hypertension, cancer and high blood
cholesterol.
How is obesity measured?
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
The most widely used measure of obesity has been the Body Mass Index (BMI). It is
calculated as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.
For example, if the weight of a person is 70kg and his height is 174cm (1.74m), the
BMI of that person would be
1.74 x 1.74
___________ = 23.12 (BMI)
70
Using these BMI measures, national and international health authorities have
determined cut-off points to classify normal, overweight, and obese individuals.
BMI’s are categorized in the following way
BMI
Status
Under 18.5
18.5 – 24.9
25.0 – 29.9
30.0 – 39.9
40 and over
Underweight
Normal weight
Overweight
Obese
Severely Obese
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There are certain limitations to the use of BMI, including:

Children (who are still growing)

Pregnant women

Very muscular individuals, such as athletes
2. Tape Measure
Using a tape measure is a simple way to follow-up on weight control (measuring the
circumference of the waist). The fat contained around the waist is more critical than
the fat found in the hips or any other part of the body. As the reading on the tape
decreases, this reflects a drop in the amount of fat around the waist. The following
table provides a good guide:
Sex
Males
Females
High risk
More than 94 cm
More than 80 cm
Extremely high risk
More than 102 cm
More than 88 cm
Benefits of weight reduction
Weight reduction – even by 5-10 % of overall weight - can be beneficial in many
ways such as:
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

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Reduction in risk factors of overweight or obesity-related diseases and symptoms.
Blood pressure reduction - ideal for patients suffering from hypertension.
Reduction of Glucose levels which is good for Diabetics.
Reduction of Cholesterol and fat levels, which helps patients suffering from
cholesterol disturbances, arterial clots and myocardial infarction.
Improving one’s look and morale.
Reduction of potential early deaths due to obesity-related diseases.
Obesity requires treatment
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has become a worldwide
disease that can lead to a variety of diseases such as diabetes, cardio-vascular
diseases, hypertension and high blood cholesterol. There can be little doubt that
highly developed countries, such as the United States of America, are in the midst of
an obesity epidemic. An epidemic may be defined as a period of increased
prevalence of a particular disease in a population. Having said that, the figures
revealed so far in a number of studies done on a slice of the Saudi population portray
a grim picture too! However, there are ways to prevent and control obesity (to be
covered in a later article) and the major benefit of that may be measured not just in
terms of years of life gained, but also in a better quality of life. Having said this,
people suffering from obesity or overweight are advised to consult a doctor.
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