In the past few years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a rise in obesity partially due to the availability of food courts in shopping malls and other fast food venues, coupled with the population's often sedentary lifestyle. This problem has been increasing for more than a decade.
Although a large number of adults are becoming obese, it's the children who are really in danger. Childhood obesity has become such a big problem that Faisal Al-Bawardi, assistant director of health affairs in Riyadh, has created an awareness campaign. He said that children living in cities are more vulnerable and prone to obesity than those raised in rural areas, according to Arab News .
Haitham Al-Falah, executive director of King Saud Medical City and head of the anti-obesity program in Riyadh, said that 30 percent of the world's population is overweight or obese, according to Arab News. Falah also said that there are economic problems that are being caused by the number of people becoming obese because the government spends approximately 15 percent of its budget on illnesses associated with this problem.
Although leaders like Falah and Bawardi are encouraging physical activity and a healthier lifestyle, its not exactly easy to do in a place like Riyadh because of the fact that women and kids – especially young girls – aren't welcome at gyms or easily able to take up physical activity. In order for this plan to work, broader changes in the system need to be made.