UAE's annual bill for obesity is expected to reach $12bn on World Obesity Day.

Photo-Medical News Today

A report by the World Obesity Federation projects that by 2035, almost 7.5 million people in the UAE will be overweight or obese, with associated annual costs expected to reach $12 billion. This revelation, shared on World Obesity Day, underscores the urgent need for action to address the growing healthcare challenges posed by rising obesity rates.

Despite the implementation of national obesity management standards in 2008, along with various initiatives such as a sugar tax and dedicated health campaigns, the UAE continues to grapple with increasing obesity rates. Currently, a quarter of adults in the UAE are living with obesity, and the prevalence is particularly high in certain regions like Dubai, Ajman, and Fujairah. Shockingly, almost 40% of children in the UAE are now classified as obese or overweight, and in 2019 alone, there were 7,622 deaths directly attributed to obesity-related issues.

Economically, the impact of obesity is significant, with costs projected to reach nearly 5% of the country's GDP by 2035. The World Obesity Federation's data serves as a call to action for policymakers to implement effective strategies aimed at reducing obesity and its associated economic burdens.

The global obesity epidemic mirrors trends seen in the UAE, with millions of children worldwide expected to be overweight or obese by 2035. High body mass index (BMI) is linked to various health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to address this growing public health crisis.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, efforts to combat obesity have been made, but significant challenges remain. Recognizing obesity as a disease, educating healthcare professionals and the public, and implementing clear management guidelines are crucial steps in addressing this multifaceted issue. Additionally, wider access to diabetes medications and surgical options like bariatric surgery can play a vital role in reducing the impact of obesity and improving associated health outcomes.

Overall, the findings underscore the importance of collaborative efforts from governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals in combating obesity and its far-reaching consequences on public health and economies worldwide.

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