Kuwait’s First National Nutrition Survey

KISR conducted the first comprehensive national nutrition survey for the State of Kuwait to assess the population’s nutrition status. The survey found that the prevalence of overweight or obesity among children and youth was 35% of males and 28% of females. For adults the prevalence increased to 70% of males and 75% of females. Prevalence of hypertension was 26% with more than 60% of men and women greater than or equal to 50 years of age being hypertensive. The highest prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (15%) was among females age 20-49 year olds. The results of dietary intake showed that Kuwaiti people tend to overeat with approximately half of the participants having a caloric intake exceeding the estimated energy requirements. There was very low fiber, omega 6 and omega 3 intakes in all age groups and in both sexes with over 2/3 of the population not meeting the recommended dietary requirements. Low mean intakes of most of the vitamins and minerals were noted especially for vitamin E, folate and calcium. Prevalence of high sodium intake was more than 90%. In conclusion, inappropriate dietary intake and high prevalence of nutrition related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension among the Kuwaiti population warrants immediate intervention.