Prevent Obesity at Home

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has called on parents to be vigilant about their children’s diets, highlighting the crucial role families play in maintaining health.

Marking World Obesity Day on March 4, the SFDA issued a statement encouraging parents to “urge children to swap sugary drinks like sodas for water and natural fruit juices.”

The authority also stressed the importance of “significantly cutting down on fast-food consumption,” as it is a major factor in weight gain and associated health problems.

Additionally, the SFDA recommended healthier cooking methods, such as grilling and roasting, instead of frying food.

Acknowledging the concerning global rise in obesity, the SFDA underlined the need for increased community awareness to tackle this growing issue.

Obesity, a complex condition, has become a global crisis since 1975, with its prevalence tripling worldwide. Experts attribute this rise to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices.

To address the health and societal challenges posed by obesity, the Saudi government has implemented various initiatives under its Vision 2030 program, designed to cultivate a healthier population and enhance the quality of life.

A 2022 study by the Global Obesity Observatory found that about 60% of adults in Saudi Arabia are overweight, with 20% classified as obese. Among children, 10.5% are overweight and 4.1% are obese.

While data from the Kingdom’s top health institutions show a decrease in adult obesity compared to ten years ago, childhood obesity rates are increasing, signaling a need for continued efforts to promote healthier lifestyles.

Source: arabnews

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