Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing economies of the world. The growth and prosperity, however, have brought pronounced changes in the lifestyle of our people. Most notably, eating habits are less healthful and the level of physical activity has declined. Consequently, obesity is increasing in the Kingdom at an alarming rate.

Over the last two decades the influence of the western world has led to an increased consumption of fast foods and sugar-dense beverages (e.g., sodas). Simultaneously, technological advances – cars, elevators, escalators, remotes … - have lead to a decrease in our level of activity. Our traditional dependence on locally grown natural produce such as dates, vegetables and wheat has also shifted.

Not only has the quality of our food contributed to this problem, but it is also influenced by the quantity we eat. Today’s meals are substantially larger than just a decade ago.

Based on the National Nutrition Survey of 2007, the prevalence of obesity in the KSA was 23.6% in women and 14% in men. The prevalence of overweight in the community was determined to be 30.7% for men as compared to 28.4% for the women. Similarly, the Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study (CADISS) of 2005 estimated an overall obesity prevalence of 35.5% in the Kingdom: in other words one in every three people in the country is obese.