Saudi Arabia is like a throwback to college. In fact, people here refer to the "Saudi 20" as something you try to avoid (like the "Freshman 15"). In Saudi most expats gain weight. There's no beer here (well, not "officially"), so what packs on the pounds? SUGAR!
Saudi Arabia and America are like peas in a pod. Diet high in processed food? Check! Grocery stores where the produce only takes up a strip in the corner? Check! High diabetes rates? Check! High obesity rates? Check!
Seriously. Our two countries have exactly the same lifestyle vices: inactivity and simple carbohydrates.
It's actually even harder here to stay away from junk food. I think partially it might be because there isn't any alcohol here. That may seem weird, especially since I'm by no means a big drinker, but without the occasional beer or glass of wine to treat yourself to, sugary treats become the only consumable pleasure. And you can eat sweets anywhere (you wouldn't have a beer at work, for example). I also think that being in a group of all women exacerbates the issue.
What do you think of when you think of Middle Eastern food?