The Impact of Sociocultural Changes on Obesity among Arab Women: Kuwait as a Case

Abstract

This study aims to reveal the impact of sociocultural changes on obesity among Arab women (Kuwait as a case). A sample of 250 Kuwaiti women, ranging in age from 20 years to 76 years, was selected from all Kuwaiti governorates. The sample was selected from groups with different social, cultural, and economic status in the society. Social and health scales were used. Degree of religiosity, food habits, physical activity scales were used. Height, weight, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, hip circumference, and waist circumference were also used. Whereas the World Health Organization indicates in the February 2018 statistics that 40% of women aged 18 years or older around the world are overweight or obese, the results of the current study show that the majority of the women in the sample are overweight or obese. The results also show that there are differences in obesity rates among age groups. The study found a statistically significant relationship between a women's normal weight and age, education level, socioeconomic status, dietary habits, physical activity, family structure, and family size. The results also indicate that women in Kuwait suffer from the highest rates of obesity and overweight in the world.