SFDA warns of rising childhood obesity, urges prevention at home.

Riyadh, March 23, 2025 – The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is raising awareness about vital health practices to prevent childhood obesity, in conjunction with World Obesity Day on March 4.

Aligned with its mission to promote health awareness and prevent diet-related diseases, and supporting the Health Sector Transformation Program of Saudi Vision 2030, the SFDA underscores the essential role of families in protecting children’s health.

In a press release, the SFDA’s awareness campaign emphasizes the importance of establishing healthy habits at home. It encourages parents to have children replace sugary drinks, like soft drinks, with water and natural fruit juices, and to cut down on fast food consumption, a major contributor to weight gain and associated health problems.

The release also highlighted the SFDA’s support for healthier cooking methods, such as grilling and roasting, instead of frying. With the alarming global rise in obesity rates, the authority stresses the need for greater community awareness to combat this growing issue.