More than 150 students underwent a checkup in the Obesity Awareness Day held in the King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al Ahsa in the officer's club. The medical results showed that a large number of students are at risk of obesity and that obesity rates have been rising.
The Regional Executive Director the National Guard Health Affairs, Al Ahsa Dr. Ahmed Al Arfaj stated that the studies and scientific research proved the prevalence of obesity in the world in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. Men account for more than 20% and women 52% and these percentages are increasing.
A study conducted on 2589 children proved that children in the eastern region are the more vulnerable to obesity. It was noted that 11% of children between the ages of one and three are living with obesity and it was confirmed that the obesity rate among children between 4 to 8 years is 21%, 14% in children between 9 and 13 years, and 54% for those 14 to 18 years.
Recent studies show that obesity is caused by hereditary reasons, wrong lifestyle choices, lack of exercising and unhealthy fast food.
Obesity ranks sixth in the international causes of diseases. The National Guard Health Affairs seeks to spread awareness in the community about the dangers of obesity, especially after the number of children less than five years old that were classified as obese has reached 22 million worldwide.
Dr. Ali Al-Garni, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, said that this activity aims to communicate with the community through an open exhibition that included publications and documentary films to show the dangers of obesity and its harmful effects.
The exhibition was divided into several sections to include a series of programs to instruct on the dangers of obesity and the importance of healthy lifestyles and a proper diet. After that, a number of professionals measured the weight, the diameter of the abdomen and the height of the participants where they were classified later on under a number of groups: (underweight – average - above average - obese) then their blood sugar levels were taken.
Moreover, a number of lectures discussed obesity, the reasons behind it and prevention measures as well as pointing out the need for more programs, activities and studies that cover obesity.
Zahrah Al-Bassri, Health Education Specialist, stated that the surprising fact that 48% of the students tested had extra weight which is the first step towards obesity is an indicator of more awareness towards the issue is needed.