Combating obesity is a public health priority in the United Arab Emirates, which has harnessed all resources to build a community where all individuals enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Earlier, the UAE formed a team to combat obesity in the country with the mission of developing a common roadmap to guide efforts and innovate effective methods to address obesity, as part of the National Strategy for Quality of Life in the UAE 2031.
The working team includes decision-makers and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Department of Health, and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center. This team's formation reflects the UAE government's focus on tackling obesity among children aged five to seventeen, based on the six recommended pillars by the World Health Organization to eliminate obesity: promoting healthy eating, weight management, pre-pregnancy and prenatal care, healthy food and physical activity in early childhood, and health and nutrition for school-aged children.
In this context, a statistical study by the Ministry of Health and Prevention warned of seven key risks associated with obesity: stroke, heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, pregnancy complications, osteoporosis, and diabetes, in addition to elevated cholesterol levels. The study estimated that over 13,000 weight loss surgeries were performed in the country during 2020, 2021, and 2022, distributed as follows: 68% gastric banding, 5% sleeve gastrectomy, and 27% gastric bypass. The study noted that females accounted for 59% of all surgeries performed during this period, while males accounted for 41%. The age group of 20 to 39 years was the most represented in weight loss surgeries, making up 58.6% of the total procedures.
The study indicated that nearly 3 in 10 adults in the UAE are obese, explaining that a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 30 indicates obesity. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched several awareness campaigns regarding obesity, such as the "Together We Move Our Community" campaign, aimed at encouraging women aged 18-44 in the country to engage in physical activity and adopt active, healthy lifestyles to prevent obesity. The ministry has also conducted awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of healthy eating, including two extensive campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks of sugary drinks.
The ministry is keen to reach all community segments through social media, continuously educating the public with tips related to healthy eating and physical activity. Notably, most global studies have shown that obese individuals are more susceptible to health complications, including the rapid onset of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Obesity can also lead to various psychological issues such as depression and social isolation, in addition to the repercussions that extend beyond health concerns, affecting educational capabilities, social integration, and economic standing.
