Change in dietary habits, lifestyle and trend in diseases in the GCC countries

Abstract EN

-The GCC countries have experienced a rapid change in dietary habits and lifestyle during the past three decades with the sharp increase in income as a result of the oil revenue.

The traditional diet, which consisted of dates, milk, rice, brown bread, fish and vegetables has changed to a more westernised diet.

Lifestyle has changed markedly as physical activity has diminished and a sedentary lifestyle has become the norm.

Studies showed that about 20-25 % of men practised exercise compared to about 6-10 % of the women.

A high percentage of both adults and children watched television for more than three hours daily.

Women and adolescent girls were more likely to watch television than men and adolescent boys.

These changes in food habits and lifestyle have lead to a great change in morbidity and mortality patterns.

Infectious diseases have gradually disappeared and chronic non-communicable diseases are becoming more apparent