Oil Wealth and Health Concerns in Qatar

Qatar (a small country in the Persian Gulf) has the second highest per capita gross domestic product and the third largest proven reserves of natural gas. They also have significant numbers of obesity, diabetes, and genetic disorders, due to the privileges that come from the oil wealth, and the social traditions (like marrying within the family). These financial privileges from oil, has allowed the people of Qatar to aquire servants, fast food, and air conditioning. Many other oil rich countries are experiencing similar problems, but nothing close to what is happening in Qatar. Even with their wealth, they are focusing more on treating the issues, not preventing them, especially because these issues are linked back to their tradition and life style. For example, it is a social tradition to marry a cousin, even though it leads to birth defects, and it is customary to eat where ever you go, and is considered rude to turn down food. Also, many social gatherings are defined by eating, and again, you can't refuse the food. So, people continue to eat, and to gain weight. Some efforts have been made in the direction of prevention, by trying to persuade people to walk more, but due to the extremely high temperatures in Qatar, it has not really caught on. Although the privileges of oil has had some benefits in Qatar, it is causing some serious problems that must be dealt with.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/world/middleeast/27qatar.html?ref=world

Submitted by: Kathleen Tite