(Reuters Photo)
Bahrain: Binge eating among teenagers in Bahrain, especially during Ramadan, has reached epidemic proportions, leading to high rates of obesity.
Latest figures show that one-third of Bahraini teenagers are overweight or obese, which has been attributed to sedentary lifestyles and bad dietary habits.
Leading nutritionist and fitness expert Amal Al Jowder said Ramadan was actually the ideal time to shed the extra pounds.
“Having good health and being fit is not magic, all you have to do is to burn more calories than you eat,” Dr Al Jowder, who is former Health Ministry health promotion director, told the GDN.
“Bahrain is among the top 10 countries in the world suffering from obesity.
“Other countries like Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan are also suffering from the same obesity problem.
“Eighty per cent of losing weight depends on nutrition and 20pc on fitness.
“Being healthy and fit will help increase blood circulation, protect you from diseases and joint pain.
“In addition, working out and eating healthy will provide great psychological benefits.”
Dr Al Jowder said the key was to have controlled portions of food after breaking the fast.
Dr Al Jowder
“A lot of people tend to stuff themselves at Iftar and complain about feeling dizzy and bloated later,” she added.
“All you have to do is eat small portions and have the right mix of food in your plate.
“Olive oil is healthy but if you have a lot of it on your food it could harm you due to its calorie content.
“Each gram contains nine calories and having too much of anything is harmful and will increase your weight.
“Food should be eaten slowly and people should drink a lot of water especially in Ramadan.
“Due to people fasting they will tend to eat more than they usually do – never fill your stomach to the fullest.”
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