Diabetes and obesity fears grow

High living standards are prompting unhealthy eating habits across the Middle East, according to a report by global market research company Euromonitor International.

The company’s November strategy briefing entitled The Way We Eat Now revealed changing food trends due to an increase in wealth are causing cases of obesity and diabetes to become more prevalent.

Some areas of the Middle East have witnessed a three-fold increase in obesity rates since the 1980s, according the World Health Organization.

The proportion of overweight people worldwide is expected to increase 3% by 2010, with the greatest growth expected in North America.

The report commented: “As a society gets richer, the standard of living improves and the choice of food expands; unfortunately, as food prices rise, the cost of lower-calorie foods is rising the fastest.”

Euromoitor International also noted the prevalence of fast-food in the region, saying low prices appealed to customers over full-service outlets.

The report offered advice to governments across the globe encouraging them to promote farming and introduce policies allowing the free movement of food.