Obesity is a major public health concern in addition to having economic repercussions due to the involved cost of addressing the related issues, a number of experts have warned.
Health, education, management and economic specialists noted that prevention must become a shared societal priority, stressing that promoting physical activity, healthy eating habits and health awareness from childhood is more effective and less costly than treating the chronic conditions associated with obesity.
Dr Mohamed Jeham al-Kuwari, consultant in bariatric and metabolic surgery, said that Qatar has made substantial efforts to address obesity through awareness campaigns, lifestyle programmes and advanced treatment options, but the condition remains a significant health challenge, particularly among young people.
“Prevention is the most effective and least costly option,” he said, noting that the roots of obesity often begin in childhood and that early intervention can reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Dr al-Kuwari pointed out that the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) performs 700-800 bariatric procedures annually, alongside expanding the use of modern medications and other treatment options.
He stressed that treatment must be tailored to each patient according to body mass index (BMI) and overall health.
The health consequences of obesity are extensive, as experts linked it to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, fatty liver disease, joint and spinal problems and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) executive director Dr Abdullah al-Hamq said that obesity is among the most significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes, alongside physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits.
He noted that losing 5% to 10% of body weight, combined with regular physical activity, significantly cuts diabetes risk.
“The complications of obesity accompanied by diabetes affect patients’ quality of life and their ability to work,” Dr al-Hamq said, pointing to kidney disease, impaired vision, nerve problems and diabetic foot complications.
Dr Mohamed al-Kubaisi, a strategic management expert, described obesity as an economic and development issue capable of affecting institutional efficiency and national competitiveness.
Citing World Health Organisation (WHO) data, he said that 43% of adults worldwide are overweight, while around 16% live with obesity.
Dr al-Kubaisi said that obesity among employees can contribute to lower energy and concentration, greater fatigue, slower task completion, increased errors and weaker decision-making and innovation.
He noted that international reports indicate malnutrition and excess weight can reduce productivity by up to 20% in some workplaces, while some European studies have found that people with severe obesity may be around 2.5 times more likely to take sick leave than those at a healthy weight.
Economic expert Mubarak al-Khayareen said obesity has become a national economic issue because it increases healthcare expenditure while reducing workforce efficiency.
“The economic return of prevention programmes can be measured through lower healthcare spending, fewer sick days and higher employee productivity,” he said, stressing that investment in prevention delivers health and economic benefits.
Meanwhile, the workplace itself can also contribute to unhealthy behaviours, according to Tahani al-Hajaji, an administrative trainer specialising in professional behaviour.
“Employee physical and psychological health are closely connected,” the expert said.
Al-Hajaji called on institutions to move beyond awareness campaigns and sports activities towards broader workplace wellbeing policies.
Similarly, life-skills couch Zainab al-Shemmari said that awareness alone is insufficient unless people develop practical skills that enable them to sustain healthy behaviours.
“Stress management reduces reliance on emotional eating, while good planning helps organise meals and maintain regular physical activity,” she said, adding that self-discipline is key to resisting unhealthy habits.
Physical education teacher Hassan al-Khayyat also identified inactivity and unhealthy eating as major contributors to obesity among students.
“Investing in sports culture among students is an investment in the health and economy of society,” he said, warning that obesity can also affect young people psychologically and socially.
Dr Aisha Saqr, a clinical nutrition specialist, said that obesity should be treated as a chronic disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death.
She said that treatment can begin with dietary changes and increased physical activity, followed in appropriate cases by medication or bariatric surgery after medical assessment.
Mohamed Abdulrahim al-Haidous, head of the Youth Committee at Qatar Club, said youth centres and clubs play a key role in encouraging physical activity through sport, education and volunteer programmes.
“Investment in sports and youth is one of the most important means of prevention,” he said, stressing that greater participation in physical activity can help build a healthier and more productive society.