RIYADH, 1 March 2004 — Saudi women may be paying the price of modernity with its increased consumption and sedentary lifestyle. A high-fat diet coupled with physical inactivity has led to a staggering number of overweight men and women in the Kingdom, and obesity — or excess body fat — affects more women than men.
A 1999 study by researchers at King Saud University revealed that about 20 percent of all adult Saudi females were obese compared to 13 percent of males. Those numbers were higher than most other countries including the US, UK, Australia and Italy. Obesity is also interlinked with numerous other health problems, many of which are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
“Heart disease kills more women than cancer,” Dr. Mansour Al-Nozha, president of the Saudi Heart Association, told Arab News. “It is still the No. 1 killer worldwide and in this country.”
According to Dr. Al-Nozha, women generally have natural protection against CVD up until menopause, but after age 45-50, the rate of heart disease is more or less equal with men. He added that diet and lifestyle choices were responsible for the high incidence of obesity in Saudi women.
Women can play a major role in promoting a healthy diet for their family by making healthy food choices and avoiding high-fat and carbohydrate-rich foods, Dr. Al-Nozha said.
Although low-fat and “light” versions of various products are now available, they are seldom found on most shopping lists and occupy little space in supermarkets compared to high calorie foods.
But diet is only one facet of the problem.
A 1999 study for CVD risk factors in the local population found that 78 percent of females were physically inactive, although two-thirds of them had high fat diets.
Physical activity is limited due to a number of socio-cultural factors. Most neighborhoods do not have recreational and sports facilities, and the few that exist are usually reserved for the local men. Special health clubs and women’s fitness centers can be found in some parts of the city but will usually only benefit those who can afford the fees. A harsh desert climate, lack of transportation and a high unemployment rate among women (over 21 percent) further add to the problem.
“Obesity is more common in women mainly because of lifestyle choices and because culturally, women have fewer opportunities to exercise, which plays an important role in controlling obesity,” said Dr. Al-Nozha.
Physical education in girls’ schools was taboo until recently and remains a sensitive subject, meaning that many girls do not get the opportunity to exercise and therefore find it difficult to acquire the habit later on.
Experts recommend moderate physical activity for up to 30 minutes every day. In Riyadh, walking is becoming a popular form of exercise for those opting for a healthier lifestyle and a trim body. A large walking track on Prince Abdullah Street attracts people of all ages and backgrounds and is abuzz with energetic walkers late into the night. Some come to the track for entertainment or a leisurely stroll with family and friends, others come for the sole purpose of exercise, and both men and women can be seen speed walking or jogging around the track. However, the track best serves those who live in the area; women who live farther away have to first worry about transportation.
Prevention is still key to fighting heart disease, according to experts. Dr. Al-Nozha recommends that everyone of 40 and above should have annual checkups that measure weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Men and women below 40 should have a similar checkup at least every five years.
