Obesity in Arabic-Speaking Countries
Open Access
- 24 November 2011
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Hindawi Limited in Journal of Obesity
- Vol. 2011, 1-9
- https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/686430
Abstract
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions throughout the globe, and this has also impacted people of the Arabic-speaking countries, especially those in higher-income, oil-producing countries. The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents ranges from 5% to 14% in males and from 3% to 18% in females. There is a significant increase in the incidence of obesity with a prevalence of 2%–55% in adult females and 1%–30% in adult males. Changes in food consumption, socioeconomic and demographic factors, physical activity, and multiple pregnancies may be important factors that contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity engulfing the Arabic-speaking countries.Keywords
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