Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet in the Eastern Mediterranean DR ABDULLRAHMAN MUSAIGER Head, Arab Center for Nutrition BAHRAIN

Prevalence of Overweight among Preschool Children

Prevalence of Overweight among Preschool Children (1992 – 1997) de Onis and Blössner (2000) Arab Asia %

% of Overweight and Obesity Summary of Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the Middle East Countries 35 - 75 Women 30 - 60 Men Adults 15 - 45 Adolescents (11 – 18 yr) 10 - 25 School children (6 – 10 yr) 4 - 8 Preschool children (<6 yr) % of Overweight and Obesity Age group Musaiger (2007)

Life Cycle of Overweight and Obesity in the EMR Pregnancy (gain weight more than average) Infancy: (3-7%) Childhood and adolescence: (10-45%) Higher risk of obesity, hypertension, micronutrient inadequacies, unhealthy eating patterns, and lifestyles Adulthood: (30-75%) Higher chronic disease risks, micronutrient inadequacies, unhealthy eating patterns, and lifestyles

Prevalence of Low Physical Activity according to the Stepwise Survey in some Arab Countries

Physical Activity of Saudi Adults Using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) (N=1616) Al-Hazza (2007)

Summary of Barriers to Physical Activity among Bahraini Adults (N = 426) Type % Barriers Major barriers Environment 62 Lack of resources Individual 56 Lack of energy 54 Lack of time 48 Lack of motivation Moderate barriers 17 Social influence Minor barriers 8 Fear of injury 6 Lack of skill

Percent Increase of Daily per Capita Dietary Energy in some Middle East Countries (1971-2005) (1971 as a base) FAO (Food Balance sheet, 1971-2005)

Prevalence of Low Intake of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in some Arab Countries according to the STEPwise Survey (Daily intake ≤5 serving/day)

Contribution (%) of Nutrients to Daily Energy Supply (DES) in the Middle East Countries Low income countries Intermediate income countries High income countries Carbohydrates 55 – 75 60 – 70 59 – 60 Fats 15 – 20 20 – 25 29 – 35 Proteins 10 – 12 10 – 11 Complex carbohydrates 50 – 60 45 – 50 Sugar 3 – 12 9 – 12 10 – 15 Animal fat 4 – 7 4 – 10 11 – 15 Cereals 60 – 80 45 – 65 35 – 40 Musaiger (2004)

CONCLUSION Obesity has been become an endemic in most countries of the Region Change in dietary habits and lack of physical activity are the main factors responsible for high prevalence of obesity and NCD Environmental and cultural factors should also be taken in consideration in any intervention programme to prevent NCD