The Top 10 Most Obese Countries in Asia
#4 Qatar
Qatar is one of the most obese countries in the Middle East and there are several reasons why. The major culprit is Qatar’s sedentary lifestyle but there are many more problems. An increased reliance on cars is another reason why, as well as high-calorie meals and embracement to American fast food. The Qatari government knows about this problem and they have jump-started initiatives to tackle it. They have made physical education mandatory in schools and created programs to encourage people to eat healthier.
#5 Turkey
Without sounding like a broken record, the contributing factor to why Turkey is more obese than other countries is mainly a sedentary lifestyle. There are also other reasons like their poor diets and people, especially children, embracing fast food. The Turkish government has seen an increase in obesity among children and that has had some concern. The prevalence of obesity in children is 29.5%, so schools have been tasked to tackle the problem and offer healthier lunches.
#6 Lebanon
#7 United Arab Emirates
When you think about it, every single country on this list is located in the Middle East. The harsh, hot weather is a culprit as it keeps people from being outside. Outdoor activities contribute to healthier lifestyles and in turn, can keep people from becoming obese. If you eliminate the outdoors, the prevalence of obesity increases. This has happened in the UAE and it has concerned the government. In turn, they have started campaigns to encourage people to eat healthy and to exercise.