No image available
/ 25 November 2005
A dark-eyed, veiled doll called Fulla has invaded Arab toy chests, bringing a touch of the Muslim Middle East to a domain once dominated by the blonde blue-eyed Barbie. Fulla, like many Muslim women in the Arab world, has two sets of clothing. Form-fitting, revealing outfits are sported at home, while items that cover the arms, legs, neck and often the hair are donned in public.
Although health awareness and the availability of sound nutritional guidance are increasing in Egypt, many women still find it difficult to overcome economic and cultural barriers to maintain a healthy weight. About 75% of overweight people in Egypt are women, says Dr Sherif Azmi, a nutritionist at the Nasser Health Institute.