{"id":1540,"date":"2014-02-25T10:47:25","date_gmt":"2014-02-24T23:47:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/?p=1540"},"modified":"2014-02-25T10:47:25","modified_gmt":"2014-02-24T23:47:25","slug":"middle-eastern-chronic-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/?p=1540","title":{"rendered":"Middle Eastern chronic disease"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>Bad, but not much worse than Australia&#8230; a<span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;\">ccording to the report, 66-75% of the adult population (over 18) and 25-40% of children and adolescents (under 18) in the Middle East are estimated to be overweight or obese<\/span><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/Regions\/Middle-East\/Overweight-Middle-East-struggles-with-heart-disease-and-diabetes\/<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"headline\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; font-size: 31px; color: #2d578d; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: normal;\">Overweight Middle East struggles with heart disease and diabetes<\/h1>\n<p class=\"author_date\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; font-size: 14px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: normal;\"><a class=\"comment_l\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #2d578d; background-image: url('http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/extension\/custom_implement\/design\/news_site\/images\/sprites\/icons.png'); padding: 0px 0px 4px 28px; float: right; font-size: 14px; background-position: 0px -908px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/Regions\/Middle-East\/Overweight-Middle-East-struggles-with-heart-disease-and-diabetes\/?utm_source=newsletter_supplement&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletter%2Bsupplement&amp;c=LJYfE2HPSTJq%2FklQOmi9fJ9FsmeyNZIH#\">Post a comment<\/a>By Ankush Chibber\u00a0, 11-Feb-2014<\/p>\n<div class=\"large_image\" style=\"outline: none; position: relative; margin: 0px; padding: 1px; border: 1px solid #f1f1f1; color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; vertical-align: top;\" title=\"\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/var\/plain_site\/storage\/images\/publications\/food-beverage-nutrition\/foodnavigator.com\/regions\/middle-east\/overweight-middle-east-struggles-with-heart-disease-and-diabetes\/8765656-1-eng-GB\/Overweight-Middle-East-struggles-with-heart-disease-and-diabetes_strict_xxl.jpg\" width=\"610\" height=\"343\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"related_subjects\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;\">\n<p class=\"topics\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; font-size: 14px; color: #666666;\">Related tags:\u00a0<a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #2d578d;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/content\/search?SearchText=heart+disease&amp;FromNews\">Heart disease<\/a>,\u00a0<a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #2d578d;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/content\/search?SearchText=diabetes&amp;FromNews\">Diabetes<\/a>,\u00a0<a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #2d578d;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/content\/search?SearchText=obesity&amp;FromNews\">Obesity<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"topics\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; font-size: 14px; color: #666666;\">Related topics:\u00a0<a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #2d578d;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/Regions\/Middle-East\">Middle East<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"story\" id=\"story\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; font-size: 14px; color: #333333; line-height: 1.6em; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em;\"><b style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">The Middle East is grappling with a rise in non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, the roots of which are in a rise in obesity among its populace, a new study has found.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"news_info\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; padding: 0px; max-width: 162px; float: right;\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"Skyscraper1\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; float: left;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">According to report, ischemic heart disease is now the leading cause of death in middle and high-income Arab nations \u2013 and it comes in at number 4 even in the lowest-income countries in the region.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">Stroke is also a leading cause of death, and Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE are now among the 10 nations with the highest global prevalence of type 2 diabetes, it said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">The study\u2019s authors put most of the blame for this on the change in dietary habits among the region\u2019s population.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><b style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">Fat of the land<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">The report added that the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased in both young and adult populations of GCC countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">According to the report, 66-75% of the adult population (over 18) and 25-40% of children and adolescents (under 18) in the Middle East are estimated to be overweight or obese.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cThe traditional Arab diet has changed from high-fibre and low-fat food with increased integration of the Arab world into the global market over the past four decades,\u201d<\/i>\u00a0the study\u2019s authors said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cUnhealthy dietary habits are prevalent in children, adolescents, and adults, especially in the wealthy GCC countries where a wide variety of global fast-food chains are near ubiquitous,\u201d<\/i>\u00a0they added.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">According to the report, people in the Arab countries have a high intake of fast food and carbonated beverages and a low intake of milk, fruits, and vegetables, and frequently consume snacks rich in calories, salt, and fat between meals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"TextAd\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<div id=\"sas_embed_TextAd\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\n<div class=\"textad\" style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 5px 0px; overflow: hidden; border-style: solid none; border-top-width: 5px; border-bottom-width: 5px; border-color: #e5eff8;\">\n<h3 style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 3px; padding: 0px; font-size: 10px; color: rgba(51, 51, 51, 0.721569); text-transform: uppercase;\">SPONSORED LINK<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; padding: 0px; font-size: 14px;\"><a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #2d578d; font-size: 14px;\" href=\"http:\/\/sas.decisionnews.com\/diff\/86\/2982953\/go0.asp?2982953%3B377222%3B1112281415658627860%3B5486861006%3BS%3Bsystemtarget=%24qc%3d1313190253%3b%24ql%3dmedium%3b%24qpc%3d2000%3b%24qpp%3d0%3b%24qt%3d164_988_4785t%3b%24b%3d16320%3b%24o%3d11061%3b%24sh%3d768%3b%24sw%3d1280%3B9710461%3Bclickvars=\" target=\"_blank\">Innovation in Food with D\u00f6hler Ingredients &amp; Ingredient Systems!<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 13px;\"><a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;\" href=\"http:\/\/sas.decisionnews.com\/diff\/86\/2982953\/go0.asp?2982953%3B377222%3B1112281415658627860%3B5486861006%3BS%3Bsystemtarget=%24qc%3d1313190253%3b%24ql%3dmedium%3b%24qpc%3d2000%3b%24qpp%3d0%3b%24qt%3d164_988_4785t%3b%24b%3d16320%3b%24o%3d11061%3b%24sh%3d768%3b%24sw%3d1280%3B9710461%3Bclickvars=\" target=\"_blank\">For pure indulgence D\u00f6hler supplies ingredients &amp; ingredient systems which are tailored to the specific needs of a wide range of food applications. On top of this, D\u00f6hler also delivers product ideas that really appeal to consumers&#8230;<\/a>\u00a0<a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;\" href=\"http:\/\/sas.decisionnews.com\/diff\/86\/2982953\/go0.asp?2982953%3B377222%3B1112281415658627860%3B5486861006%3BS%3Bsystemtarget=%24qc%3d1313190253%3b%24ql%3dmedium%3b%24qpc%3d2000%3b%24qpp%3d0%3b%24qt%3d164_988_4785t%3b%24b%3d16320%3b%24o%3d11061%3b%24sh%3d768%3b%24sw%3d1280%3B9710461%3Bclickvars=\" target=\"_blank\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><b style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">Pricing policies?<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">According to the report, national policies, programmes, and action plans to improve diet and increase physical activity are undeniably important for non-communicable disease prevention.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cBut the realities of implementation are likely to be very different from the written policies,\u201d<\/i>\u00a0the authors said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">According to the results of a review of diet and physical activity policies in low-income and middle-income countries, only Jordan had a policy that addressed all four risk factors: salt, fat, fruits and vegetables, and physical activity.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cIn particular, the review reported that diet and physical activity policies tended not to be associated with specific action plans, timelines, and budgets, and they were also mostly focused on individual behavioural changes,\u201d<\/i>\u00a0they said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cPolicies that link to specific budgets and priority actions, and involve a broader range of stakeholders, are needed. Importantly, pricing regulations are needed to ensure that fruits and vegetables are more affordable than processed foods, thus targeting both obesity and micronutrient deficiencies.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><b style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">Salt and trans fats need attention<\/b><\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">According to the authors, even slight reductions in salt intake will result in substantial reductions in medical costs and cardiovascular events.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cReduction in salt intake can be achieved with behaviour modification efforts (through advertising and health education campaigns) and reformulation of food products by industry. In the Arab world, bread is a big source of salt in the diet, and should be the first target for reformulation by gradual reduction,\u201d\u00a0<\/i>they said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">The authors pointed out that in high-income and middle-income countries, reduction of trans-fat consumption has been addressed through mandatory labelling of the trans-fat content in foods and voluntary agreements.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cBut little information about trans-fat intake in the Arab world is available. A recent study in Jordan showed a high and variable content of trans fat in both locally produced and imported foods,\u201d<\/i>\u00a0they said.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">\u201cThe WHO has proposed various policies to reduce trans-fat intake, including further studies on trans fat with respect to labelling, pricing regulations, and import restrictions. Health education campaigns are needed to educate consumers about trans fats,\u201d<\/i>\u00a0they recommended.<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><b style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">Source:<\/b>\u00a0<i style=\"outline: none; position: static;\">The Lancet<\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\"><a style=\"outline: none; position: static; color: #2d578d;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/lancet\/article\/PIIS0140-6736(13)62383-1\/fulltext\" target=\"_self\">Non-communicable diseases in the Arab world<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">doi:10.1016\/S0140-6736(13)62383-1<\/p>\n<p style=\"outline: none; position: static; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px;\">Authors: Dr. Hanan F Abdul Rahim. Prof Abla Sibai, Yoused Khader, Prof Nahla Hwalla, Ibtihal Fadhil, Huda Alsiyabi, Awad Mataria, Shanthi mendis, Prof Ali H Mokdad, Abdullatid Husseini<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bad, but not much worse than Australia&#8230; according to the report, 66-75% of the adult population (over 18) and 25-40% of children and adolescents (under 18) in the Middle East are estimated to be overweight or obese http:\/\/www.foodnavigator.com\/Regions\/Middle-East\/Overweight-Middle-East-struggles-with-heart-disease-and-diabetes\/ Overweight Middle East struggles with heart disease and diabetes Post a commentBy Ankush Chibber\u00a0, 11-Feb-2014 Related tags:\u00a0Heart &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/?p=1540\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Middle Eastern chronic disease<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,10,13,22,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-facts-data-points","category-healthy-habits","category-nutrition","category-policy","category-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1540"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1542,"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1540\/revisions\/1542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.panicola.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}