Two out of five Qataris and one out of four non-Qataris in the country have been found to be suffering from obesity, according to a national health survey conducted in 2006. The survey has also revealed that Qatar has the highest number of diabetics in the Gulf region. Type 2 diabetes among children is also on the rise in the country. About 71 percent of the children in Qatar are overweight while 43 percent have body mass that is above average. One out of every three adults in the country is found to be obese, and the condition is more extreme among men. The survey covered a total of 600 samples from a cross section of the society. Of those surveyed, six percent of the adults had diabetes while 10 percent of them were found to be pre-diabetic — those who face the risk of developing diabetes. Consumption of fruits and vegetables in Qatar is below the required level, the survey has revealed. The high prevalence of obesity and diabetes has normally been attributed to unhealthy food habits and a sedentary lifestyle. The survey results were announced on the back of a national campaign to create public awareness about diabetes and obesity. The campaign has been conducted jointly by the National Health Authority, Qatar Diabetes Association and the Hamad Medical Corporation. Several private companies and corporations have also joined the campaign, launched on November 18. Free risk assessment tests and blood sugar and body mass tests were conducted in schools, universities, hospitals and major shopping centres during the campaign. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=December2008&file=Local_News200812265640.xml

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