Say no to Obesity!

I was reading this article, in the CNN website, about Kuwaitis and their food eating habits; fast food in particular. It came as a shock to me how we are globally known for such a negative thing. All through the article I couldn't get "OMG I can't believe this is how people see us" off my mind. I'm not saying I didn't see this coming, and I'm not saying the article was false; it did have many valid points. All I'm trying to say here, is that I wish things didn't come to this and it is extremely depressing to sit here and read all this about my country, nation, society, and obviously my own self.

I apologize, dear readers, for my lack of explaining. I know most of you still don't even know what the article was stating about Kuwaitis, and why I was so appalled by it. I'm sorry for such long introduction that had no actual necessity, but for me to express my own irritation about it. The reason why I couldn't come up with a better introduction is because I am still very much annoyed by all of it.

I'll start over. The article revolves around Kuwaitis and how much they enjoy food; fast food per se. It all begins with the writer discussing the importance of food to Kuwaitis, and how it is always at the top of our menu at every gathering. He also states that in Kuwait, people take pride in serving and hosting feasts; the more food you have the better you're going to look. Then he talks about the steaming hot weather in Kuwait, and how it forces people to stay indoors during the day, which ultimately leads to no exercise, and no sense of health. For the purpose of this post, I will quote the highlights of the article: "Three quarters of Kuwaitis are overweight and 14 percent have diabetes", "Many people have maids, which contributes to sedentary lifestyle", "Home-delivered fast food is increasingly popular in Kuwait", and "Government targeting school children in health drive".

Sad, but true.

The article also covers many other issues including extremely high obesity rates in children, which if you ask me is the most heart-rending. After all, children have no sense of right and wrong; they're their parents responsibility. However, at the very end some light of hope starts to appear with the promise of change. The main focus will be on the youth as they're easier to influence. Hopefully this will be happening and actually working.

Now back to what I was saying. You see, after finishing reading the article I was torn between two things:
1-This is true. We need change and we need it now.
2-RAISING AWARENESS PROJECT A.S.A.P!

To break it down...
I agree with almost everything the article said. Yes, we have a big fast-food addiction in Kuwait and it is spreading rapidly. I'm also well aware of the increasingly high obesity rate in grown-ups and children, but who's fault is it? And more importantly what do we do about it? Starting with the younger generation is a great start, but will that be enough? I believe the parents are without a doubt responsible for their kids' well-being and that includes their food. If the parent is oblivious to all the side effects of all the junk food he/she been feeding to his/her kids, how would they stop? They won't. As simple as that.
Therefore, parents should try to at least keep an open mind about it. I know plenty of people, who have no problem eating fast food every single day of the week. They have no problem with it because they are not seeing the side effects to it; as long as their body remains at a constant average-looking level they're fine with it. Other people wouldn't mind because they just don't care. They don't have the time to care. If the kids are happy, they're happy; if the kids are enjoying their happy meal, who cares what's inside that cheeseburger right?

This all leads me to raising awareness project, which I firmly believe is a must. The ministry of health must take serious action about this, and the media should change whatever methods they're using since it's pretty clear they're not working; The obesity rates are insane!

At this point people need to see the situation as it is; no need to sugar-coat it or anything. The time for a little tap over the shoulder is long gone, now we need major life-changing approaches. You may wonder what's the first step? I would suggest you start with yourself.


Here's the link to the actual article:
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/06/kuwait.fast.food.obesity/index.html