Though some 70 percent of Qatar’s population is overweight, not all residents are planning to stay that way, an article in today’s National asserts.

There is no hard and fast data to support the fact that people here are becoming more health-conscious, but there are some anecdotal indications, the report states.

For example:

• Frozen yogurt shops are popping up across Qatar, including last week’s opening of Yogenfruz at City Center mall;
• Grocery stores report a rising demand for sugar-free and zero-fat products; and
• Fitness gyms say their facilities are growing in popularity

Qatar is making an official push to help trim waistlines by targeting the younger generation with education campaigns, and has already taken soda and vending machines out of schools, the report states.

Still, with more than 40 percent of its local reportedly obese, Qatar has a lot of calories to lose.

What do you think? Have you noticed an increasing attention toward eating well and getting exercise here? Or do new people continue to put on the Doha Dozen?

Credit: Photo by Arnold Gatilao