According to a recent study, the number of children and adults suffering from obesity and smoking in Israel is on the rise. If the current trend continues, in six years, 14-year-olds will suffer from obesity at a rate of 12.8%, which is 4.2 times higher than the normal distribution. Similarly, in six years, 25% of adults will have obesity and 58% will be overweight. The direct and indirect expenses related to these phenomena amount to NIS 20 billion per year, which is about 1.4% of the gross national product.

The Ministry of Health has been encouraged by the government to establish clinics for obesity treatment with an annual budget of NIS 20 million. However, the rate of smokers among Israelis aged between 16 and 74 has also increased significantly, with one out of every five people smoking, most of whom are men from a lower socioeconomic status. Smoking causes about 8,000 deaths every year.

MK Avraham Bezalel stated that the consequences of these two phenomena are severe and affect not only individuals’ quality of life but also their ability to earn money and avoid being drafted into the IDF. Prof. Nachman Ash emphasized that urgent action is needed to treat obesity and excessive smoking due to their impact on a significant proportion of the population and their expansion every year.

MK Yoni Meshariki called for more emphasis on prevention through health education, training for pediatricians and family physicians in treating obesity in the field, and establishing multidisciplinary clinics for regular treatment of obesity mainly in peripheral areas and designated populations. As a first step towards reducing these health issues, it was suggested that obesity should be recognized as a disease by the Ministry of Health while plans were requested from both Ministries of Education and Health to reduce smoking rates among Arab communities and ultra-Orthodox sectors respectively.

In conclusion, there is an urgent need for immediate action to address rising rates of obesity and excessive smoking in Israel. The government should prioritize prevention efforts while also investing in clinical treatments for those affected by these conditions.

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