The Gulf Health Council has launched a new awareness campaign titled #Wazenha, targeting children and adolescents up to 19 years old, as well as parents and the wider Gulf community. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with obesity, emphasize the importance of proper nutrition, and promote self-confidence and positive body image among younger generations.
The campaign highlights the health, physical, and social risks linked to obesity, while shedding light on the role of balanced nutrition and regular physical activity in prevention. It also seeks to encourage self-acceptance and positive body perception, steering away from unrealistic or stereotypical beauty standards. Through interactive content, educational materials, and social media publications, the campaign empowers families and youth to make healthier food choices.
A key feature of the campaign is an interactive scientific quiz consisting of 12 questions designed to assess the awareness levels of teenagers and parents regarding obesity, nutrition, and body image. Based on the Social Cognitive Theory, the quiz considers personal, behavioral, and environmental factors influencing individual behavior. Upon completion, participants receive tailored, practical advice suited to their awareness level—helping them adopt a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
The campaign comes amid alarming global and regional trends. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global obesity rates among adults doubled from 7% to 16% between 1990 and 2022, while rates among children and adolescents quadrupled from 2% to 8%. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, studies show obesity rates significantly exceed the global average (23.67% compared to 12.91% in 2021).
The Gulf Health Council recommends maintaining a balanced lifestyle that combines healthy eating and regular physical activity to prevent obesity and promote overall well-being. The Council advises adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, and children, adolescents, and older adults to participate in 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
It also emphasizes the importance of a diverse and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins, while limiting the intake of added sugars, sweetened beverages, and saturated fats. Adequate sleep and stress management further support appetite regulation and a healthy lifestyle.
The Council stresses that prevention begins with small daily habits—choosing nutritious food, avoiding prolonged sitting, and reducing screen time—all of which enhance physical and mental health and lower the risk of chronic diseases in the future.
The campaign also raises awareness about the dangers of excessive consumption of sugary and energy drinks and prolonged screen time, both of which increase obesity risk. A global systematic review of 44 studies found that individuals spending more time in front of screens were 27% more likely to be obese than those with lower screen exposure. Additionally, the campaign addresses the issue of body image among children and adolescents as a key aspect of social identity, noting that excessive focus on appearance can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem—underscoring the need to build a balanced, confident self-image.
The Gulf Health Council affirms that the campaign is built on multi-sectoral collaboration, engaging schools, healthcare entities, non-profit organizations, and the food and beverage sector, alongside digital engagement and community partnerships. These efforts aim to ensure the campaign’s messages reach the broadest possible audience, contributing to the fight against rising health challenges and safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
The quiz and educational materials are accessible through the Your Health Guide platform via the following link:
وازنها – Your Health Guide – دليلك الصحي