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

3. Prevalence of Overweight among Preschool Children

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

7. % of Overweight and Obesity
Summary of Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the Middle East Countries
Women
Men
Adults
Adolescents (11 – 18 yr)
School children (6 – 10 yr)
4 - 8
Preschool children (<6 yr)
% of Overweight and Obesity
Age group
Musaiger (2007)

8. 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

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

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

11. 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

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

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

14. 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)

15. 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