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. 2011:2011:686430.
doi: 10.1155/2011/686430. Epub 2011 Nov 24.

Obesity in arabic-speaking countries

Mohammad Badran  1 , Ismail Laher
Affiliations

Obesity in arabic-speaking countries

Mohammad Badran et al. J Obes. 2011.

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prevalence of obesity in Arabian countries in adult males and females, respectively, aged between 15 and 100 years, WHO estimates, 2010.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The dietary energy consumption per person, in kcal per day, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Statistics Division 2010, Food Balance Sheets).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Prevalence of low physical activity in selected countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region according to the STEPwise survey done by WHO 2003–2007.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Diagram illustrating the factors that may lead to obesity in the Arabic-speaking countries.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Industrial investment, military, education and health expenses percentage of GDP in selected Arabic-speaking countries.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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