United Arab Emirates
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Actions
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National obesity risk *7/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *8.5/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Insufficient activity
Soft drink consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Fast food consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 4971 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | UAE National HEalth Survey Report 2017-18. United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Health & Prevention. https://www.mohap.gov.ae/Files/MOH_OpenData/1561/%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AD%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%AD%D9%8A%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%86%D9%8A%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%AB.pdf (last accessed 14.10.19) |
| Notes: | Emirati population only Men 38.5% living with overweight, 32.2% living with obesity Women 29.3% living with overweight, 41.8% living with obesity |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2012-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18-80 |
| Sample size: | 2724 |
| Area covered: | Expatriates |
| References: | Sulaiman, Elbadawi, Hussein, Abusnana, Madani, Mairghani, Alawadi, Sulaiman, Zimmet, Huse, Shaw and Peeters. 2017. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 9(88). DOI 10.1186/s13098-017-0287-0. |
| Notes: | Expatriots only, they make up 80% of the population BMI calculated using ethnic specific cut-offs (Among Arabs and Europids - BMI 25 to 30kg/m2 indicated overweight and ≥ 30 kg/m2 indicated obesity. For asians those with BMI of 23 to < 27.5 kg/m2 were considered overweight while a BMI value of ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 indicated obesity) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2000
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 20-79 |
| Sample size: | 1286 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | UAEHALS2000. Measuring the health of the Nation. United Areb Emirates and lifestyle survey 2000. Published by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the College of Business & Economics. UAE University. |
| Notes: | NB. Combined adult data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 21.10.20)' |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2018-2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 13-19 |
| Sample size: | 932 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Baniissa W, Radwan H, Rossiter R, et al. Prevalence and determinants of overweight/ obesity among school-aged adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: a crosssectional study of private and public schools. BMJ Open 2020;10:e038667. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2020-038667 |
| Notes: | Small sample size. Convenience sampling was used to select classes. Students with chronic diseases (eg, type 2 diabetes, cancer and mental health conditions) based on information from students’ school records where excluded. |
| Definitions: | A BMI at or above the 85th percentile for adolescents was adopted to classify participants as either overweight/obese |
| Cutoffs: | CDC |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 13-17 |
| Sample size: | 5849 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Global School Health Survey UAE available at https://www.who.int/ncds/surveillance/gshs/UAE-2016-gshs-fact-sheet.pdf?ua=1 (last accessed 14.12.20) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 2014-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 11-14 |
| Sample size: | 27113 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | AlBlooshi, A., Shaban, S., AlTunaiji, M., Fares, N., AlShehhi, L., AlShehhi, H., AlMazrouei, A., and Souid, A.-K. (2016) Increasing obesity rates in school children in United Arab Emirates. Obesity Science & Practice, 2: 196–202. doi: 10.1002/osp4.37. |
| Notes: | Region: Ras Al-Khaimah |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2011
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 6-19 |
| Sample size: | 1440 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | A Al Junaibi, A Abdulle, S Sabri, M Hag-Ali and N Nagelkerke. The prevalence and potential determinants of obesity among school children and adolescents in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Obesity, (14 August 2012), doi:10.1038/ijo.2012.131 |
| Notes: | 85/95th Centile |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 1998-1999
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 5-17 |
| Sample size: | 381 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Malik M and Bakir A. (2006). Prevalence of overweight and obesity among Children in the United Arab Emirates. Obesity Reviews, 8: 15 - 20. |
| Notes: | IOTF Cut off. Reference: Cole TJ, Bellizzi MC, Flegal KM, Dietz WH. Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: International survey. BMJ. 2000 May 6;320(7244):1240-3. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by education
Adults, 2012-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 2724 |
| Area covered: | Expatriates (who make up approx 80% of UAE adult population) |
| References: | Sulaiman, Elbadawi, Hussein, Abusnana, Madani, Mairghani, Alawadi, Sulaiman, Zimmet, Huse, Shaw and Peeters. 2017. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 9(88). DOI 10.1186/s13098-017-0287-0. |
| Notes: | Expatriates only (though expatriates make up approx 80% of UAE adult population) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by age
Children, 2014-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 27113 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | AlBlooshi, A., Shaban, S., AlTunaiji, M., Fares, N., AlShehhi, L., AlShehhi, H., AlMazrouei, A., and Souid, A.-K. (2016) Increasing obesity rates in school children in United Arab Emirates. Obesity Science & Practice, 2: 196–202. doi: 10.1002/osp4.37. |
| Notes: | International IOTF Cut Off |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Adults, 2012-2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | 2724 |
| Area covered: | Expatriates (who make up approx 80% of UAE adult population) |
| References: | Sulaiman, Elbadawi, Hussein, Abusnana, Madani, Mairghani, Alawadi, Sulaiman, Zimmet, Huse, Shaw and Peeters. 2017. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in United Arab Emirates Expatriates: the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 9(88). DOI 10.1186/s13098-017-0287-0. |
| Notes: | Expatriates only (though expatriates make up approx 80% of UAE adult population) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Children, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Average daily frequency of carbonated soft drink consumption
Children, 2009-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption
Children, 2008-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption) |
Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption
Children, 2008-2015
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption) |
Average weekly frequency of fast food consumption
Children, 2009-2015
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: High Income
Health systems summary
Healthcare in the UAE is regulated at both the Emirate and Federal level. All seven emirates provide government-funded healthcare for its Emirati nationals, mostly through government funded insurance schemes. How this is delivered and who it is delivered by differs between the emirates. For example, in Dubai is it delivered by the Dubai Health Authority, in Abu Dhabi by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi and in other emirates by the Ministry of Health. Two government health insurance programmes ‘Thiqa’ and ‘Saada’ (in Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively) provide healthcare coverage to Emirati Nationals not eligible for other government programmes.
Expatriates (who make up approximately 80-90% of the population) tend to use private health insurance for health care needs, and in some emirates — such as Dubai — expats are required to have private insurance by law. Often this insurance in provided by employers, as is some emirates employers are legally obliged to provide health insurance for their employees.
The Emirati health system has undergone significant reforms over recent years. Criticism of the health system includes high levels of fragmentation, but public satisfaction ratings remain high.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Defined as disease |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Defined as disease |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | No |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | Yes |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | Yes |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | Yes |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | Yes |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Out of pocket |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
Stakeholders detailed several efforts that have been made by the government to address obesity, including a lunchbox ban that prohibits certain unhealthy foods in all government schools and a tax on sugary drinks. There is reportedly an issue with fragmentation, however, with many initiatives delivered at an Emirate level. An example of this is the Weqaya screening programme in Abu Dhabi. Stakeholders call for more work to be done at a national level to prevent obesity.
Under the national schemes, obesity treatment is covered for those with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². There are waiting lists for obesity treatment, but it has been suggested that these are not unreasonably long. It appears that treatment may be available under the government-funded national insurance schemes, but still much treatment is received at out of pocket expense.
Overall, there was felt to be a fair number of professionals to treat obesity (at least in urban areas) but there was concern about the lack of multidisciplinary teams and the lack of professionals working in prevention and health promotion. There is said to be too much emphasis on pharmacological and surgical treatment for adults, and not enough emphasis of lifestyle and behavioural changes.
‘Health Authority Abu Dhabi’ have clear guidelines on obesity treatment (last updated in 2018) but the extent to which these are followed in Abu Dhabi and the other emirates is unclear.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 8 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
