Obesity is a growing global health problem, affecting millions of people around the world. It is often seen as the result of a sedentary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet. Indeed, obesity can lead to serious complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, metabolic diseases. As well as certain types of cancer.
In fact, Algerians are not immune, given the lifestyle adopted by the majority of the population. During his visit to the Higher School of Social Security (ESSS) in Algiers, on the occasion of the work of the 4th day of continuing medical education, the Minister of Health and Hospital Reform Abdelhak Saihi drew the alarm bells on this. According to his words, Algeria is likely to be among the twenty countries most affected by obesity in the world.
Obesity in Algeria: here are the figures and the minister’s estimates
Based on official data, the first head of the health sector revealed frightening figures. “In 2017, obesity had reached 22% of the population and the figure is expected to increase in the future,” he said. According to information provided by the Minister, specialists estimate that the obesity rate in Algeria could reach 46% by the year 2030.
In this case, Algeria would be among the twenty countries most affected by this health problem in the world. It would therefore occupy the second place in Africa, unless effective measures are taken to curb this trend. Abdelhak Saihi described Algeria’s obesity figures as “frightening” and “worrying”. He affirmed, in this sense, that measures are taken in the short and medium term to fight against this disease. Indeed, the treatment can cost considerable sums.
According to the Minister, the fight against obesity involves several approaches. In particular, “the importance of educating patients about medical problems”. This “in order to prevent complications”. In this wake, the aforementioned official reported on the government’s efforts to “ensure accessibility to necessary medicines”. Those “who have demonstrated their effectiveness against chronic diseases such as obesity”.
Fight against obesity: Saihi offers a solution
To tell the truth, this phenomenon worries the Algerians, but also the authorities of the country. With this in mind, Saihi said early detection is one of the effective methods to fight against chronic diseases, including obesity. To do this, it must be based, according to Saihi, on “continuing medical education”. This will “prevent dangerous complications”.
Moreover, the same is true for rare diseases. According to the same official, recently an increase in the number of people with these diseases has been recorded. Saihi also said that these diseases are currently costing a lot of money to the central pharmacy of hospitals, adds the health minister.
