The phenomenon of obesity and excessive smoking among both children and adults in Israel is becoming increasingly alarming, according to experts. If the current trend continues, in six years, 12.8% of children at the age of 14 will suffer from obesity, which is about 4.2 times the normal distribution. For adults, this could lead to 25% with obesity and 58% being overweight within six years.
The direct and indirect expenses of this phenomenon are estimated to be NIS 20 billion per year, which is about 1.4% of the gross national product. This data highlights the urgent need for intervention and prevention measures to address these health issues.
MK Avraham Bezalel has emphasized the consequences of these two phenomena on the quality of life, ability to earn money and not being drafted into the IDF. Professor Nachman Ash, chairman of the National Institute for Health Policy Research, has also emphasized the urgency required in treating obesity and excessive smoking due to their large proportion within the population relevant to these phenomena and their expansion every year.
MK Yoni Meshariki has called for an emphasis on prevention through health education, training of pediatricians and family physicians for treatment in the field, and establishing multidisciplinary clinics for regular treatment of obesity mainly in peripheral areas and designated populations as a first step towards reducing gaps in health. The Ministry of Health has been asked to consider recognizing obesity as a disease while Ministries of Education and Health have been asked to submit plans to reduce smoking and obesity in Arab and ultra-Orthodox sectors.
In conclusion, it is crucial that immediate action is taken to prevent these two phenomena from further damaging individuals’ quality of life by addressing them through policy changes aimed at reducing health disparities among different populations within Israel.
