A new study has revealed that 50 percent of Saudi children suffer from obesity. Tests conducted on 280 children at the Children and Maternity Hospital in Dammam showed that 20 percent of Saudi children suffer from extreme obesity while 30 percent undergo a weight increase. The other 50 percent of children tested didn’t gain any weight throughout the period of the study.
The data were released at an awareness activity in the hospital entitled, “Fighting Obesity.” Medical director, Dr. Mousaed Assiri, said such activities are aimed at increasing the awareness of obesity and its consequences. “Obesity is a life-threatening health issue that tops all other health problems,” he said. “It not only increases the fatality percentages but also has emotional and physiological effects,” Assiri added.
Dr. Ayisha Al-Shahri, head of the Health Education department at the hospital, said that 72.4 percent of Saudis above 40 suffer from obesity. Obesity rates in the Kingdom currently stand at 35.6 percent, with women at 44 percent, men at 26.4 and children at 18 percent. “Obesity is a threat to general health,” Al-Shahri said adding that by highlighting this issue, people can discover obesity earlier and make lifestyle changes such as “limiting the hours they spend watching TV, playing video games and surfing the Web,” she said.
Al-Shahri advised people to exercise and decrease sugar and fat intake by avoiding fast food. She emphasized the need to eat healthy meals rich in nutrients such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. “Learning about the metabolic processes helps people understand their bodies and take care of their food regimens,” she explained.
The awareness activity included a video on obesity and the importance of sports and healthy practices for patients, visitors and their families.
50% Saudi children are obese
50% Saudi children are obese
49th Saudi relief plane for Gazans arrives in Egypt
- The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them
RIYADH: The 49th Saudi relief plane carrying food baskets for Gazans arrived at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport on Tuesday.
The plane was operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The food baskets will be transported to Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip and is part of the Kingdom’s support for them.
The war in the Strip has pushed much of Gaza’s population to the brink of famine, the UN says, and has devastated its medical facilities, where hospitals, if working at all, are running short of fuel to power generators and other essential supplies.
Riyadh forum to combat financial crime and corruption
- Brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing
- Two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively,
RIYADH: The inaugural Arab Forum of Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units begins Wednesday in Riyadh, hosted by the Presidency of State Security.
It brings together key stakeholders from the Middle East and North Africa to combat financial crime, money laundering, and terrorist financing through enhanced cooperation and capabilities.
The two-day forum aims to establish impactful collaboration among Saudi agencies, counterpart organizations, and regional and international bodies to combat financial crime effectively, according to the forum’s website.
Recognizing the need for a multi-faceted approach, the forum focuses on cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines to combat corruption.
Through international collaboration, elevating local institutional integrity, and engaging citizens, the forum aims to tackle corruption and financial crime challenges effectively.
Leveraging private sector efforts, deploying technology for transparency, and addressing root causes of corruption are also part of the agenda.
The event will feature 75 speakers from 25 countries, including Sheikh Ahmed Al-Thani, head of Qatar Financial Information Unit; Samya Abou Sharif, director of the Jordanian Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Unit; Dr. Raed Radwan, head of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission; and Richard Attias, CEO of FII Institute.
By uniting government agencies, law enforcement bodies, financial intelligence units, civil society organizations, and the private sector, the forum harnesses collective wisdom and expertise against financial crime.
The forum also facilitates networking, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, fostering partnerships and concrete initiatives for progress in anti-corruption efforts.
Saudi FM meets with Kuwaiti counterpart
- The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting for Arab League foreign ministers in Manama, Bahrain.
The ministers discussed ways of strengthening bilateral relations and regional and international developments of common interest.
Saudi cabinet welcomes UN resolution supporting Palestine’s full membership
RIYADH: The Saudi cabinet welcomed on Tuesday the United Nations assembly's resolution supporting Palestine's full membership, the Saudi State Agency reported.
The council of ministers emphasizing the need to halt Israeli military escalations and violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.
Minister of Information, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to global security, active participation in international relief efforts, and advocacy for issues affecting Arab and Islamic nations.
The council also discussed the recent reception of pilgrims arriving for Hajj.
Directives were issued to maintain high standards of procedures and services at entry points in Makkah, Medina, and the Holy Sites.
The council also received a comprehensive briefing on recent diplomatic dialogues with various nations, including discussions between the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the President of Ukraine.
Saudi FM calls for resumption of Sudan talks
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated the Kingdom’s grave concerns over an escalation in tensions between warring factions in Sudan.
He made his remarks while participating at the 33rd Arab League Summit held in the Bahraini capital, Manama.
The foreign minister urged the two sides, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, to commit to a ceasefire, reiterating Saudi Arabia’s call for a return to dialogue.
He also called for an end to further civilian suffering and the country’s devastating humanitarian situation.
Saudi Arabia, alongside the US, is leading mediation efforts to urge the two Sudanese sides to end the war.
On the subject of the war in Gaza, Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia has warned of dangerous repercussions of Israel’s widening of its scope of operations in its campaign against Hamas.
He reiterated the Kingdom’s calls for the international community to intervene immediately to stop the war.
Regarding Yemen, Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for efforts to achieve peace in the country, and to reach a comprehensive political solution through dialogue and consultation between the warring parties, which will start the process of economic development and recovery.
