DR ABDULLRAHMAN MUSAIGER
Head, Arab Center for Nutrition
BAHRAIN

Prevalence of Overweight among Preschool Children

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

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

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
Lack of resources
Lack of energy
Lack of time
Lack of motivation
Moderate barriers
Social influence
Minor barriers
Fear of injury
Lack of skill
62
56
54
48
17
8
6
Environment
Individual
Individual
Individual
Environment
Individual
Individual

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
Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Low income countries
Intermediate income countries
55 – 75 60 – 70
15 – 20
10 – 12
20 – 25
10 – 11
Complex carbohydrates 60 – 70 50 – 60
Sugar 3 – 12 9 – 12
Animal fat
Cereals
Musaiger (2004)
4 – 7 4 – 10
60 – 80 45 – 65
High income countries
59 – 60
29 – 35
10 – 12
45 – 50
10 – 15
11 – 15
35 – 40

• 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