The Shura Council has called for a coordinated national approach to address the rising problem of childhood obesity in Qatar, highlighting it as a significant health and social challenge with long-term consequences. The recommendations were adopted during a session held on June 15, 2026, chaired by HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem at Tamim bin Hamad Hall.

The council urged the government to establish a national committee dedicated to combating childhood obesity, aimed at unifying efforts and monitoring strategies to curb the issue. The panel stressed the need for tighter regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly those high in sugar, fat, and sodium, across digital platforms, media outlets, and food delivery services targeting children. Proposals also included the implementation of a nutritional classification and labeling system on food products designed for younger consumers, as well as restrictions on food delivery timings to discourage unhealthy consumption patterns.

In addition to regulatory measures, the council emphasized promoting healthier lifestyles through strengthened physical education programs in schools, enhanced health supervision of school canteens under unified nutritional standards, and the development of an electronic platform to track students’ health indicators. This platform would allow parents and relevant authorities to monitor children’s health more effectively.

Abdullah bin Nasser bin Turki al-Subaie, chairman of the Shura Council’s Committee on Health, Public Services and Environment Affairs, highlighted that the committee had held numerous meetings, reviewed extensive data and studies, and consulted with officials to gain a comprehensive understanding of the obesity epidemic among children in Qatar. Based on these findings, the committee recommended a set of integrated measures focusing on prevention, awareness, and leveraging technology to support ongoing monitoring and educational efforts.

Al-Subaie described childhood obesity as a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among families, educational institutions, health authorities, and the broader community. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperative action to instill healthy habits among young people and improve overall health outcomes.

HE al-Ghanem underscored the seriousness of childhood obesity, noting its multifaceted impacts not only on physical health but also on psychological and social well-being that can extend into adulthood. He pointed to Qatar’s commitment, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to enhancing public health and quality of life in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. However, he acknowledged the global nature of the problem requires comprehensive efforts from all stakeholders.

During the same session, the Shura Council also welcomed recent diplomatic progress with the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at resolving outstanding disputes, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The council expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to regional security and stability and commended Qatar’s ongoing role in facilitating dialogue between the two countries.