Bahrain: Obesity is rising alarmingly among Bahrain’s young generation.
According to recent field studies, 16.3 per cent of children and teenagers are overweight, while 6.6pc suffer from obesity.
The staggering figures were released at a forum organised by the ministries of Health and Education.
Acting assistant under-secretary for primary care and public health Dr Waleed Al Manea attended the seminar under the theme ‘School Canteens and Healthy Food’.
Salmaniya Medical Complex chief nutritionist Dr Nadia Gharib said children and teenagers are most at risk of overweight and obesity, blaming their woes on limited awareness and unhealthy eating habits.
She warned that overweight and obese children and teenagers may develop chronic diseases, particularly Type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, cardiac and circulatory system problems.
Citing recent statistics dating back to 2012, she said that the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia topped 27.4pc among girls and 16.5pc for boys.
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