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The medicial condition of being overweight or obese is defined as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health"^[1] . It is measured through the Body Mass Index (BMI), or kilograms/meters squared of height. If an individual has a BMI of 25 - 29, he or she is overweight. Having a BMI of 30 or more means an individual is obese. However, when a person has a BMI of 21 or higher, he or she is at significant risk of chronic diseases as a result of obesity. These diseases include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculosketal disorders, cancer, and premature death^[1]. See Obesity for further information.

The MONICA Project, sponsored by the World Health Organization, discovered that 30% of the population in the Arab World is overweight or obese, including adolescents and adults^[3]. This percentage is smaller for North African countries than oil-producing countries, but is still a prevalent trend^[4]. Specifically in the Arabian Peninsula, "physical activity of the population has significantly diminished with the availability of housemaids, private cars, television, and sophisticated household appliances. In addition, the types of food and fat intake have changed..."^[5]. Other common factors, besides a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food choices, across the Arab world include urbanization^[1], technology^[6], and a cultural appreciation of female plumpness^[7].

From 1980 to 1993, the percentage of individuals age 18 - 29 that were overweight went from 30.6% to 54.4% and the percentage of those who were overweight went from 12.8% to 24.6%^[8]. From 1998 to 2002, 36.3% of men and 32.8% of women were overweight. 27.5% of men and 29.9% of women were obese^[9]. The number of women who are either overweight or obese has jumped to 80% in 2010^[10]. In the book "Top 10 of Everything 2011", the women of Kuwait ranked 5th for the highest percentage of obesity^[11]. In 2000, it was determined that amongst children age 10 - 14, 30% of boys and 31.8% of girls were overweight^[12].

According to the Dasman Center for Research and Treatment of Diabetes, 15% of the adult population has diabetes, with 50% of adults over 45 living with the disease. 22 of every 100 children have developed diabetes as a result of an unhealthy weight^[13].

The increased risk of overweight or obesity due to a combination of overeating energy-dense, high-fat foods with sedentary lifestyles^[14]. Meals consisting of processed ingredients with preservatives, saturated fats, and hydrogenated oil are preferred over traditional foods. Advertisements for unhealthy junk food are seen everywhere and public schools sell candy, chocolate, and soda to their students^[15]. Specifically in Kuwaiti universities, other factors include eating between meals, marital status, and a male domination of sports^[16].

In 2000, 36.7% of men and 28.4% of women were overweight and 17.1% of men and 31.4% of women were obese^[9]. A year prior, 24.8% of boys and 27.2% of girls age 4 - 18 were overweight^[17]. This number increased to 25% in 2008. As a result, 13.5% of the population had diabetes in 2000. This number is estimated to rise to 19.3% by 2030^[18].

The population, especially children, overconsume food rich in carbohydrates, salt, fat, and processed sugar. This health problem is exacerbated due to the lack of an exercise culture^[19]. The recent availability of wealth due to oil has allowed Emiratis to purchase luxury items, including imported food and tobacco products^[20]. The marketing of such products is effective on the youth population. There is little to no awareness of the health impact of these items among the population. Another factor of obesity risk is prevalence of the cultural notion that a fat child is healthy, while a thin one is sick^[21].

Lebanon Egypt