KUWAIT: A study published in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal in 2022 reveals that the prevalence of overweight children under five years old in Kuwait reached 10.78 percent between 2016 and 2019, significantly exceeding the global average of 6–7 percent. The study, which used data from the Kuwait Nutritional Surveillance System (KNSS), covers the period from 2007 to 2019. While no increasing trend in overweight rates was observed during the study period, experts emphasize the importance of improving public health policies to address this growing concern.

KNSS, which is funded by the government, tracks the population’s nutritional status through cross-sectional studies, gathering information from vaccination centers and kindergartens across Kuwait. The study is notable for including nearly all Kuwaiti nationals attending vaccination centers, with less than 2 percent of families opting out of participation.

According to the study, the prevalence of overweight, which includes obesity, fell within the medium to high range based on new global thresholds for children under five. Among the 128 countries reporting to the World Health Organization (WHO), Kuwait was among 50 countries where high prevalence was reported. The study found that while the rates were elevated, there was no evidence of an upward trend in overweight children over the years.

Despite the high prevalence, the study’s findings suggest that the increasing trend in childhood overweight may have begun prior to 2007, with earlier studies estimating an obesity rate of 8.2 percent in 1998. This indicates the need for a more comprehensive look at childhood obesity over time in Kuwait and the broader Gulf region. The study also noted the lack of consistent and comparative data on childhood obesity trends in the region, which hinders a deeper understanding of the issue.

Experts suggest that the high rates of overweight children point to the need for better policies and actions, especially around infant and young child feeding practices. The study emphasizes the role of exclusive breastfeeding, highlighting its association with a reduced risk of overweight in children under two years old in Kuwait, as well as globally. The research suggests that promoting age-appropriate breastfeeding could be an effective strategy in mitigating the risks of obesity and overweight in young children.