Increased rates of obesity and vitamin D deficiency in the country's population

The Qatar Biobank, member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, and member of the Foundation's Research, Development and Innovation Sector, has published today. On the sidelines of the International Conference of Biomedical Banks 2019 its annual report for 2018.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of Qatar Biobank's achievements in 2018, as well as comprehensive medical analyzes of more than 18,000 participants who participated in the Qatar Biobank Medical Research Initiative.
It also illustrates the disturbing picture of the health status of Qatar's population, including citizens over 18, and adult residents living in the country for more than 15 years.
According to a study conducted by Qatar Biobank, 38% of participants did not perform any physical activity and 43% of participants were registered as being overweight or obese.
The report also shows that only 12% of participants in the Initiative have normal vitamin D levels, 25% moderate deficiency, 50% moderate vitamin D deficiency, 13% vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
The demographic data obtained at the end of the registration process show that the number of men and women participants was very close (49% of men and 51% of women), the rate enrollment rate being highest in the 25 to 34 age group.
"This report provides useful information on the health of the population, helps us better understand the health of our participants and allows for new research in Qatar, which will play an important role in early detection," said Dr. Nahla Afifi, Director of Qatar Biobank. Regarding health problems and effective preventive measures, the main objective of Qatar Biobank's efforts to collect information and samples from the population. "
"This report is also an important educational resource for everyone in Qatar, as it provides guidance to community members so that they lead a better life by following a healthy lifestyle," said Dr. Afifi. .
In July 2018, Qatar Biobank has developed its second complex and successful study, the QbiC study group in Qatar. This study is the first of its kind in the Middle East devoted to mother and child and aims to evaluate the role played by synergistic environmental exposure and genetic factors in the development of chronic diseases, as well as maternal and child health and the characteristics of large-scale obstetric generation.
"By generating a comprehensive picture of the environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute to the health problems that the local population has been facing since the beginning of their lives, Dr. Afifi commented." We can start by helping researchers and health care providers to better diagnose diseases and provide the most effective treatments for diseases that affect the health of the people of Qatar. "