Saudi Arabia is a country located in the Middle East and is home to approximately 34 million people. The country has a robust healthcare system with many hospitals and clinics available throughout the country. Despite this, there are still several health issues that affect the population of Saudi Arabia.
Common Health Issues
Obesity
Obesity is a significant health issue in Saudi Arabia, with around 35% of the population classified as obese. This rate is one of the highest in the world. Obesity is often linked to other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Diabetes
Diabetes is also a significant health issue in Saudi Arabia, with around 17% of the population diagnosed with the disease. This is a higher rate than the global average of 9%. The prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia is linked to the high rates of obesity in the country.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is a leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. The disease is responsible for around 44% of all deaths in the country. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Cancer
Cancer is also a growing concern in Saudi Arabia, with breast cancer being the most common type of cancer in women and lung cancer being the most common in men.
Smoking in Saudi Arabia
Smoking is a prevalent issue in Saudi Arabia, with around 6 million smokers in the country. The prevalence of smoking is higher among men, with around 36% of men smoking compared to only 4% of women.
Attitudes Towards Smoking
The attitudes towards smoking in Saudi Arabia are generally negative. Smoking is not socially acceptable in most settings, and many people view it as a negative habit that should be avoided. However, there are still some cultural and social factors that contribute to the high rates of smoking in the country.
Legislation on Smoking
In recent years, the Saudi Arabian government has taken steps to reduce the prevalence of smoking in the country. In 2019, the country introduced new legislation that increased the tax on tobacco products and prohibited smoking in public places. The new legislation also required tobacco companies to include warning labels on all tobacco products sold in the country.
However, there are still some challenges to implementing anti-smoking policies in Saudi Arabia. For example, the enforcement of smoking bans in public places is still inconsistent, and some people continue to smoke despite the new laws.
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in improving its healthcare system in recent years, but there are still several health issues that affect the population. Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are all growing concerns in the country. Smoking is also a prevalent issue, with high rates of smoking among men. However, the government has introduced new legislation to reduce the prevalence of smoking, and there is hope that these efforts will lead to a decrease in smoking rates in the future.