Health Promotion for Preventing Obesity in the Arab Gulf States

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the Health Promotion (HP) initiatives to combat obesity in the Gulf States, a part of the Arab world that is particularly affected by a rapid shift to Westernization with junk food and physical inactivity being prevalent in the society. Here we explore the overall health and Health Promotion strategies and the policies and regulations in relation to nutrition and physical activity. The chapter discusses actions beyond prevention strategies and awareness/information campaigns as well as the role of primary healthcare in Health Promotion. We also describe the available departments/units of Public Health and Health Promotion within the various Ministries of Health, as well as their roles and responsibilities. Other governmental organizations that contribute significantly to promoting physical activity are also considered. Finally, the availability of the workforce needed to achieve Health Promotion in the Gulf States is discussed, particularly since health promoters/educators is a new field in these countries. It is apparent that there are variations in Health Promotion in different Gulf States, with some states being more advanced than others. The many challenges associated with prevention strategies in the Gulf region make it crucial for continuous sustainable development, capacity building, and increasing implementation of Health Promotion policies, systems, and efforts.