Dr. Noura Al-Asimi to Al-Qabas: 78% of adults in Kuwait suffer from overweight or obesity
Nour Al-Suwaidi: Nutrition and physical activity are among the most critical factors influencing human health. However, their impact extends beyond obesity prevention to encompass mental health, the prevention of chronic diseases, and overall quality of life. Amid rapid changes in lifestyle patterns, scientific research plays a pivotal role in understanding these behaviors and directing health efforts toward more effective interventions.
In this context, Kuwaiti researcher Dr. Noura Al-Asimi, Senior Nutrition Specialist in the Department of Research and Field Studies at the Nutrition and Feeding Administration of the Ministry of Health, stated that scientific research has become the cornerstone of developing health policies and programs. She emphasized that understanding the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and daily behaviors is a top priority for combating chronic diseases and enhancing community health.
Speaking to Al-Qabas, Dr. Al-Asimi highlighted one of her prominent research studies conducted at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, published in the journal BMC Public Health. The study reviewed findings from more than 53 scientific studies conducted across 18 countries, encompassing data from over 778,000 children, adolescents, and young adults. Its objective was to understand how healthy behaviors—such as diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior—are interconnected and their impact on physical and mental health.
She noted that the study’s results showed these behaviors do not occur in isolation but cluster into recurring patterns. Unhealthy patterns were associated with increased obesity indicators, a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, and declining mental health indicators. Furthermore, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were found to be more susceptible to adopting these unhealthy patterns.
Dr. Al-Asimi explained that these findings underscore the importance of adopting integrated health programs that target multiple healthy behaviors simultaneously, rather than focusing on a single aspect. She pointed out that improving diet must coincide with promoting physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviors, and enhancing sleep quality to achieve sustainable health benefits.
According to Dr. Al-Asimi, the results of the 2025 Nutrition Surveillance Program, implemented by the Department of Research and Field Studies at the Nutrition and Feeding Administration of the Ministry of Health, reveal growing health challenges. Data showed that 48% of school-aged children suffer from overweight or obesity, while approximately 78% of adults are affected (41% overweight and 37% obese). Additionally, 66% of adults do not engage in any physical activity.
The Kuwaiti researcher stated that these results confirm that investing in preventive programs, health and nutrition education—particularly during school years—represents one of the key pillars for reducing obesity and chronic diseases through evidence-based health interventions. She affirmed that investing in scientific research and continuously collecting national data not only helps in understanding current health challenges but also aids in identifying future needs and designing more efficient health interventions, positively reflecting on the health and quality of life of community members.
