The prevalence of obesity in Kuwait : a case study among Kuwait University students using GIS

Abstract EN

This study seals to understand the spatial relation¬ship between the geography and its effect on obesity prevalence among Kuwait University students.

The sample involved 735 participants, 231 male and 504 females, most of whom were overweight and obese.

The percentage of overweight was 21% (BMI> 25-30), while the percentage of obesity was 13.7% (BMI > 30).

The percentage of both overweight and obese people reached 34.7%.

In the study area, there were 327 fast food restaurants located in different places of the urban area.

This study used the Geographic Information System to analyze the distribution of obesity and fast food restaurants.

The study found that within half a kilometer of fast food outlets, there were 33% of people with normal weight (BMI < 25), 30% of overweight people, while the percentage of people who were considered obese reached 43%, which is a clear indication that obesity is linked with the procimity of the location of fast food restaurants.

One of the significant tools used in this study was hot and cold spots.

The study found that areas of hot spots of fast food restaurants tended to be located in areas of hot spots of obese people, In conclusion, studying the prevalence of obesity from a geographical perspective helps understand this public health issue and the impact of geography on it.