Obesity & overweight epidemic : an innovative approach to understanding & addressing obesity In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Obesity and overweight are complex global issues that have been and continue to be a significant problem that needs to be addressed. Understanding obesity and overweight are fundamental to finding practical and sustainable solutions. Innovation has different meanings to different people and can be applied in many different sectors in varying forms and at different levels. Innovation in healthcare is no longer a luxury but rather a necessity. In this thesis, we review some concepts of interest to healthcare innovation briefly and also examine the topic of obesity and overweight from a global perspective and with a focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We review global obesity and overweight and then focus on obesity and overweight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We also reflect on the work of Prof. Clayton Christensen "Jobs to be Done Theory" and how it can help address innovation in the healthcare system and in particular applying it to the general concept of tackling obesity. The thesis highlights a critical understanding of obesity based mostly on the work of Jason Fung, MD in his recent book titled "The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss." A novel integrated solution for tackling obesity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be proposed incorporating insights from the research material on both innovation and obesity with the utilization of concepts gained from the System Design and Management program at MIT. The concept of innovation in the healthcare setting is shown to be instrumental in creating an opportunity for higher quality, cheaper and faster delivery of health services heavily dependent on the work of Prof. Clayton Christensen. Also, we highlight the need for an innovative integrated solution at different levels of the system including the individual level and institute level and finally the national levels. We believe there is a genuine need to approach innovation in the healthcare setting at the different establishments within the healthcare system and the importance of cross-pollinated innovation teams.