Social Media- and Food-Consumption in Contemporary Kuwait: Implications for Public Health Policies

Kuwait is facing a growing public health crisis due to a sharp rise in nutrition-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. According to the World Bank, the prevalence of diabetes in Kuwait increased tenfold between 2000 and 2021, with approximately 25% of Kuwaiti adults now affected. Furthermore, the World Obesity Atlas 2024 reports that more than 75% of adults in Kuwait are overweight, with nearly half of them categorized as obese. This alarming trend reflects a complex mix of contributing factors, including cultural dietary practices, the accessibility of nutritious food, and significant lifestyle changes. 

This research aims to address the knowledge gap concerning the influence of social media on food-consumption behaviors in Kuwait. Specifically, the study will (i) consolidate existing data on food consumption and disordered eating behaviors in Kuwait, (ii) develop a comprehensive data collection instrument tailored to this context, and (iii) generate new survey data, including survey experiments, to build evidence-based insights that can inform public health policies and awareness campaigns. While the primary focus will be on behaviors related to diabetes, other co-morbidities, such as obesity, will also be considered. 

This project forms part of Kuwait Programme, funded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS).

_{(C) Image from Linda Higgs Photography, found on Flickr.}