Kuwaiti Health: Physical inactivity rises to 61% among males and 75% among females

Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health, Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, said that the rate of physical inactivity in the country has risen to about 61% among adults (18 years and over) among males and 75% among females.

Al-Bahwa explained that "the holy month of Ramadan is a good opportunity to exercise, reduce inactivity, and enhance health," pointing to "the high and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes in the country."

She added that "the rate of physical inactivity from the age of 11-17 years among males reached 79%, while it reached 90% among females, so that the average rate of inactivity for that age group was 84%."

She stated that “the prevalence of physical inactivity among the elderly (70 years and over) reached 76% among males and 85% among females,” indicating that “changing the level of physical inactivity among people in Kuwait requires a system based on a specific approach and involves a wide range of measures across Multiple sectors.

She pointed to "the cooperation of various sectors in the Ministry of Health to contribute to spreading health awareness and presenting plans and policies that would encourage Kuwaiti society of all age groups to move and avoid physical inactivity, which would cause many chronic diseases and others."

Al-Bahwa confirmed that “diseases known as chronic or lifestyle-related diseases are the main cause of global deaths, as the resulting death rate amounts to about 41 million people globally, equivalent to 74% of deaths, while it reaches 79% in Kuwait.”

She called for "building a comprehensive, integrated, multi-sectoral national plan to promote physical activity at the national level among leaders, decision-makers, and influencers, and preparing a training program to prepare leaders and champions who promote physical activity in the relevant sectors, and supporting initiatives that encourage the practice of sports."