• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:2948
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2018. https://www.data.gov.bh/en/ResourceCenter/DownloadFile?id=3470 (Last accessed 01.12.20)
Notes:Excludes pregnant women and women who are less than two months postpartum.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2007

Survey type:Measured
Age:20-64
Sample size:1712
Area covered:National
References:Ministry of Health, “National Non-communicable Diseases Risk Factors Survey 2007,” Bahrain, 2010
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 1998-1999

Survey type:Measured
Age:19+
Sample size:2301
Area covered:National
References:Bahrain National Nutrition Survey 2002
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:13-17
Sample size:7141
Area covered:National
References:Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/gshs_fs_bahrain_2016.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed at 25.11.20)
Cutoffs:WHO

Children, 2003-2005

Survey type:Measured
Age:10-13
Sample size:2146
Area covered:National
References:O Musaiger A, Al-Mannai M, Al-Marzog Q. Overweight and Obesity among Children (10-13 years) in Bahrain:A comparison between Two International Standards. Pak J Med Sci. 2014;30(3):497-500.
Notes:Not age standardised
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2000

Survey type:Measured
Age:12-17
Sample size:506
Area covered:National
References:Al-Sendi AM, Shetty P and Musaiger AO. 2003. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Bahraini adolescents: a comparison between three different sets of criteria. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 57: 471 - 474.
Notes:Boys = 249 Girls = 257 IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 1999-2001

Survey type:Measured
Age:6-17
Sample size:2408
Area covered:National
References:Gharib NM and Rasheed P. Anthropometry and body composition of school children in Bahrain. Annual Saudi Medicals, 29 (4): 258 - 269.
Notes:IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3.
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by education

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:2948
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2018. https://www.data.gov.bh/en/ResourceCenter/DownloadFile?id=3470 (Last accessed 01.12.20)
Notes:Excludes pregnant women and women who are less than two months postpartum.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Overweight/obesity by age

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2948
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2018. https://www.data.gov.bh/en/ResourceCenter/DownloadFile?id=3470 (Last accessed 01.12.20)
Notes:Excludes pregnant women and women who are less than two months postpartum.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Children, 2014

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:2146
Area covered:National
References:Overweight and Obesity among Children (10-13 years) in Bahrain:A comparison between Two International Standards. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4048493/ (last accessed 20.05.2022)

Children, 2006-2007

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:735
Area covered:National
References:Social, dietary and lifestyle factors associated with obesity among Bahraini adolescents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24231426/ (last accessed 20.05.2022)
Definitions:Percentiles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-1 (NHANES-1) growth standard
Cutoffs:Overweight: 85th–<95th percentile of BMI. Obese: > or = 95th percentile of BMI

Children, 2000

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:506
Area covered:National
References:Al-Sendi AM, Shetty P, Musaiger AO. Prevalence of overwieght and obesity among Bahraini adolescents: a comparison between three different sets of criteria. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2003;57:471-474
Cutoffs:IOTF

Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group

Adults, 2018

Survey type:Measured
Age:18+
Sample size:2948
Area covered:National
References:National Health Survey 2018. https://www.data.gov.bh/en/ResourceCenter/DownloadFile?id=3470 (Last accessed 01.12.20)
Notes:Excludes pregnant women and women who are less than two months postpartum.
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Insufficient physical activity

Children, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Boys, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Girls, 2016

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:11-17
References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21)
Notes:% of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Definitions:% Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate)

Estimated per capita fruit intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day)

Estimated per-capita processed meat intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day)

Estimated per capita whole grains intake

Adults, 2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:25+
References:Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/
Definitions:Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day)

Mental health - depression disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with depression disorders

Mental health - anxiety disorders

Adults, 2015

References:Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Definitions:% of population with anxiety disorders

Oesophageal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2043
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Raised blood pressure

Adults, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Men, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Women, 2015

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90).

Raised cholesterol

Adults, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Men, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Women, 2008

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885
Definitions:% Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate).

Raised fasting blood glucose

Men, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Women, 2014

References:Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en
Definitions:Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication).

Diabetes prevalence

Adults, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %

Adults, 2019

Age:20-79
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Adults, 2017

References:Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

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Policies, Interventions and Actions

National Action Plan for control and prevention of Non communicable diseases (2019-2030)

The mission is to reduce the burden of morbidity, mortality and disability due to Non-communicable diseases through an effective multi-sectorial collaboration at the national level, to reach the highest attainable standards of health and productivity in all age group category, in order to achieve wellbeing, social and economic development and quality of life. The main objective of the plan is to achieve a 25% relative reduction in risk of premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory diseases among adults (age 30-70 years) by 2025. This is inspired by SDG 3.4

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2019-2030
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document

Mandatory measures to reduce sodium in in baked goods: Resolution No. (28) of 2018

Resolution No. (28) of 2018 mandated a limit on the proportion of table salt allowed in popular bakery products. Salt reduction in Arabic breads: a 20% annual reduction of salt level in traditional Arab breads from their current levels for five years until reaching the required percentage of 0.5% salt on a dry flour weight basis. Reduction in the amount of added salt in baked products during three years starting in 2018 and reaching a percentage of 0.5% salt.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/39382 (Accessed 27.01.2022)

Marketing and Promotion of Breast-milk Substitutes

In 2018, Bahrain strengthened its measures to regulate procedures and control on the use, marketing and promotion of breast milk substitutes in line with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children

National strategy for the diet and physical activity

National strategy for the diet and physical activity

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document

Bahrain excise tax on soft and energy drinks

Excisable goods Excise tax rate Soft drinks 50% Energy drinks 100% Article 1 of the Implementation Regulations defines the excisable goods as: Soft drinks: Any aerated beverage except unflavored aerated water. Soft drinks include any concentrates, powder, gel, or extracts intended to be made into an aerated beverage. Energy drinks: Any beverages marketed or sold as an energy drink that may contain stimulant substances that provide mental and physical stimulation, which includes without limitation caffeine, taurine, ginseng and guarana. This also includes any substance that has an identical or similar effect as the aforementioned substances. Link to news article included

Categories:Taxation/Subsidies on Food or Beverages or law relating to public health
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Find out more:taxinsights.ey.com
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Wam (n.d.) Bahrain announces Excise Tax on cigarettes, energy drinks from December 30. [Online]. Khaleej Times. Available from: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/bahrain-announces-excise-tax-on-cigarettes-energy-drinks-from-december-30- [Accessed: 7 July 2020].‌

NCD Country Profiles 2018 (Obesity Targets)

The profiles also provide data on the key metabolic risk factors, namely raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and obesity and National Targets on Obesity (as of 2017)

Categories:Evidence of Obesity Target
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:World Health Organisation
References:Noncommunicable diseases country profiles 2018. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

Mandatory standard for food in school: 2016/2017 Food Canteen List

The Ministry of Health of Bahrain has a list of permitted, prohibited and conditionally allowed food for public elementary and secondary schools. The standards apply to all foods and beverages being sold in school shops/stores and foods and beverages available at school events. Criteria to determine which foods are prohibited, limited or encouraged are based on nutrient content. According to the 2016–17 Food Canteen List, only unsweetened 100% fruit juice, water, milk and milk drinks are permitted; fruit drinks, soft drinks and energy drinks are prohibited. Fresh fruits and vegetables are on the list of permitted foods. Conditionally allowed foods must comply with certain criteria, such as not using trans-fats, using low fat cheese instead of cream cheese for sandwiches and limiting portion size. Prohibited foods include processed meat, potato chips, mayonnaise, puff pastries, and confectionery.

Categories:Evidence of School Food Regulations
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/63348

Standard relating to trans-fatty acid elimination

In 2015, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approved TFA limits of 2% of total fat in vegetable oils and soft spreadable margarines, and 5% of total fat in other foods. In 2016, the Bahrain government approved the implementation of the regulation. The standard specifies a maximum level of 2% in vegetable oils and soft spreadable margarines and 5% in all other foods, including ingredients sold to restaurants (bakery products, fast food, restaurant frying oil, biscuits and cakes, and salty snacks).

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Government
Linked document:Download linked document
References:. Countdown to 2023: WHO report on global trans fat elimination 2021. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

National Strategy for Control and Prevention of Non - communicable Diseases in Kingdom of Bahrain 2014 – 2025

National Strategy for Control and Prevention of Non - communicable Diseases in Kingdom of Bahrain 2014 – 2025

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2014-2025
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document

Gulf Technical Regulation: Labeling of prepackaged food stuffs

Gulf Cooperation Council countries namely adopted the standards GSO (09/2013) Amd 2016 and GSO (150- 2/2013) for labeling of pre-packaged foods and shelf life. According to this GCC-wide standard, prepackaged food product labels should be in Arabic or include an Arabic language translation of the label. Producers and retailers are also mandated to provide a list of the nutrient content of pre-packaged food products, even in the absence of a nutrition or health claim.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2013 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Gulf Cooperation Council
Find out more:www.gso.org.sa
Linked document:Download linked document

Bahrain's Health Agenda: health improvement strategy

In order to strengthen the prevention and control of NCDs, the Ministry has developed a national policy framework of laws, directives and regulations. These are designed to protect public health through measures such as restrictions on smoking in public and other designated areas, ensuring food safety and the labelling of food and drinks so that purchasers are aware of the content of what they are buying. Other measures will include fiscal policies that encourage the consumption of healthy goods over unhealthy ones. To ensure a comprehensive approach to disease prevention and control, the Ministry will focus on taking consultative measures to encourage participation and endorsement by representatives of key sectors in the policy making process.

Categories:Evidence of NCD strategy
Year(s):2012-2014
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:extranet.who.int
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Anon (n.d.) Policy - Bahrain’s Health Agenda. Health Improvement Strategy | Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA). [Online]. extranet.who.int. Available from: https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/17830 [Accessed: 7 July 2020q]. ‌

Clinical Guidelines on Evaluation and Management of Paediatric Overweight and Obesity

Clinical Guidelines on Evaluation and Management of Paediatric Overweight and Obesity

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Nutrition section - public health
Linked document:Download linked document

Nutrition Clinics - Management and Prevention of Obesity

The nutrition clinic project aims to provide high standards of obesity management to all adults living with overweight and obesity in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the primary care set-up and to ensure that patients who suffer from weight related problems will receive early, appropriate and long-term management of obesity and its associated morbidities.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2012 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health, Directorate of Public Health Nutrition Section
Find out more:www.moh.gov.bh
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Gharib, N., Mariam, M., Amer, A. & Al-Salehi, S. (2012) Nutrition Clinics Managment & Prevention of Obesity Together for Better Life Ministry of Health Directorate of Public Health Nutrition Section. [Online]. Available from: http://www.moh.gov.bh/Content/Files/Publications/X_217201413620.pdf [Accessed: 7 July 2020].‌

Guidelines on fast food menu labelling

There are voluntary menu labelling recommendations for fast food chain restaurants.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:Unable to locate further details if you have access please email us at obesity@worldobesity.org

Health Bus Bahrain

The main aim of the project in Bahrain is to enable young people and children to practise physical activity. The project focuses solely on physical activity promotion and is targeted at children and young people, particularly those from low socioeconomic groups.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.emro.who.int
Linked document:Download linked document
References:World Health Organisation. http://www.emro.who.int/health-education/physical-activity-case-studies/dr-amal-bus-bahrain.html (last accessed 2 March 2016)

Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing to Children Pledge

The Responsible Food and Beverage Marketing to Children Pledge, initially adopted in the GCC in 2010, is a voluntary commitment by the signatory companies to conduct responsible food and beverage marketing to children. The pledge informs and benchmarks how food and beverage products are marketed in a responsible way to children under the age of 12 in the region. In 2016 the pledge was enhanced by applying a set of nutrition criteria to define ‘better for you options’ . The pledge was endorsed by the Advertising Business Group in 2018.

Categories:Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Categories (partial):Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2010 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
References:https://campaignme.com/global-food-beverage-companies-in-the-gcc-achieve-100-commitment-to-restrict-marketing-to-children/

Strategy to combat Obesity 2010-2015

A strategy providing useful guidelines for each Arab country, allowing them to prepare their own strategy/plan for prevention and control of obesity. The strategy includes 9 target areas: child-care centers for preschool children, schools, primary health care, secondary care, food companies, food preparation institutes, media, public benefit organizations, and the workplace.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Non-national obesity strategies
Year(s):2010-2015
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Arab Task force for Obesity and Physical Activity
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Musaiger et al 2011. Strategy to combat obesity and to promote physical activity in Arab countries. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy. 4. pp. 89–97.

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes: National Implementation of the International Code Status Report 2016 (Promotion of Breastfeeding)

The 2016 report provides information on the status of implementing the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions (“the Code”) in and by countries. The report also identifies in which countries they actively promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:WHO UNICEF IBFAN
References:WHO. UNICEF. IBFAN. Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes: National Implementation of the International Code. Status Report 2016. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016

School Nutrition Programme

Continuous training are provided to decision-makers to promote healthy school nutrition, and educational activities on nutrition are regularly organized for school children in all public schools.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:FAO
Find out more:www.fao.org
Linked document:Download linked document
References:"Anon (n.d.) FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS NUTRITION COUNTRY PROFILE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN Bahrain Nutrition Profile -Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division, FAO, 2007 2. [Online]. Available from: http://www.fao.org/3/aq036e/aq036e.pdf [Accessed: 7 July 2020]. ‌"

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Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Present
Front-of-package labelling?Absent
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Present
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Present
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Present
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Present
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Present
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Present
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Present
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Present
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Present
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Present
National obesity strategy?Absent
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Absent
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Present
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Present
Promotion of breastfeeding?Present

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Present

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated September 13, 2022

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Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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