Comprehensive community action required to address obesity challenge in Qatar, reminds PHCC expert

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

Qatar faces a serious obesity crisis, with about 70% of adults and 46% of children classified as overweight or obese, leading to increased chronic diseases and economic strain on the healthcare system. In response, the country has launched integrated health initiatives focused on sustainable lifestyle changes, early prevention, and community-wide collaboration to curb this growing public health threat.

Obesity in Qatar has evolved into a major public health issue that demands comprehensive action at both institutional and community levels, according to experts from the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). National data and international studies reveal that rates of overweight and obesity in the country rank among the highest in the region, affecting both adults and children and contributing to a rise in chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The 2023 National STEPwise Survey found that approximately 70% of Qatari adults are overweight or obese. Similarly, studies indicate that about 46% of school-aged children and adolescents in Qatar face the same health challenges. These figures underscore the urgency of addressing obesity beyond an individual health concern.

Dr. Anees Alyafei, senior community medicine consultant and head of the wellness centre at PHCC, described obesity as a complex, chronic disease influenced by multiple factors. These include the consumption of calorie-dense diets, sedentary lifestyles linked to desk-bound work and increased screen time, and aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods targeting children. Additional contributing factors encompass sleep disorders, mental stress, and genetic predispositions.

The health consequences related to obesity extend well beyond increased body weight. They include heightened risks of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, certain cancers, and mental health disorders such as depression. For children, these risks manifest early, jeopardizing their long-term health and quality of life.

Economically, obesity imposes a significant burden on Qatar’s health system and overall productivity. Data from the World Obesity Observatory estimates that the financial cost of overweight and obesity in the country amounts to roughly 1.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP). These figures account for direct medical expenses including treatment and hospitalizations, as well as indirect costs such as absenteeism, reduced workforce productivity, and premature retirement.

In response to this growing challenge, Qatar has implemented a range of integrated health policies. These include the establishment of wellness centres, school-based health initiatives, periodic health screenings, nutritional education programmes, and efforts to promote physical activity among the population.

Dr. Alyafei stressed that rapid weight loss solutions or crash diets are not effective in the long term. Instead, sustainable management requires persistent lifestyle adjustments. This involves maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods, regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and the cultivation of healthy habits starting early in family and school settings.

While obesity remains a multifaceted challenge, experts emphasize that prevention is achievable through raising awareness, adopting consistent healthy behaviours, and fostering collaboration among families, educational institutions, and healthcare providers. Such coordinated efforts aim to improve community health outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life in Qatar.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.