Obesity Surge Costs UAE Nearly $12 Billion Annually, Reports Indicate

On World Obesity Day 2024, a recent report from the World Obesity Federation reveals the severity of the obesity challenge in the UAE.

It not only highlights the impact on the health of both children and adults but also underscores the significant economic consequences for the nation, both presently and in the future.

Despite its commendable global leadership in health initiatives like polio eradication, neglected tropical diseases, and cervical cancer prevention, the UAE faces a pressing obesity crisis.

Without substantial efforts to address this issue, the situation will worsen in the years ahead.

The launch of the UAE national briefing on obesity coincides with the launch of the World Obesity Atlas, which the World Obesity Federation issues every year.

The 2024 Atlas underscores the adverse consequences of economic development on obesity trends.    

Recent data reveals that spiking obesity rates are diverting nearly US$12 billion annually from the UAE’s economy.

In response, there are calls for ramped-up commitments and serious action to avert further repercussions.

“The cost of business as usual with obesity, with fragmented and siloed efforts here as in most countries, means the UAE is expected to see a continued rise in the numbers of people living with obesity and shocking increases in the economic impact of disability and death associated with the disease.

The UAE has made a start and armed with this new data; it is time to take decisive steps to turn the tide on the obesity epidemic.

This data serves as a clear wake-up call for policymakers to implement new strategies aimed at reducing obesity and its associated economic burdens,” said Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Federation.

Projections indicate that the economic impact of obesity in the UAE is set to reach nearly 5% of the GDP by 2035. This highlights the urgent requirement for national and local public health campaigns to change the current course.

Despite commendable efforts in the UAE to combat overweight and obesity in recent years, including broadening women's fitness opportunities and introducing a tax on sugary drinks, as well as enhancing food standards in schools, there is still much ground to cover.

Projections suggest that over 6.5 million adults in the UAE will be dealing with overweight or obesity by 2035, with more than 4.5 million being men. The time for action is now.

The economic repercussions of obesity in the UAE go beyond healthcare expenses, encompassing indirect costs like absenteeism, presenteeism, and premature deaths, which significantly affect the economy.

In 2019, these factors collectively amounted to US$10.3 billion, a figure projected to surge to US$30.7 billion by 2035 if current trends persist.

Healthcare spending related to overweight and obesity is also anticipated to increase from US$1.4 billion in 2019 to US$1.9 billion by 2035, emphasizing the immediate need for action to address this escalating health and socio-economic crisis.

Dr. Sara Suliman, an endocrinologist, mentioned, "While some countries in the MENA region have made progress in managing obesity, the UAE, for instance, has established care standards for obesity management since 2008.

However, as a region with high obesity rates, we have formed a working group, soon to be a registered society, with the World Obesity Federation's support to develop unified guidelines, enhance education, and raise awareness about obesity and its effective management.

The primary obstacles to managing obesity include recognizing it as a disease, educating healthcare professionals, individuals, and families affected by it, having clear management protocols, and gaining support from all sectors involved in obesity prevention and management."

As the UAE aims to uphold its status as a global healthcare leader and innovator, combatting the obesity crisis is crucial for individuals, the healthcare system, and the economy.

By implementing proactive measures now, the nation can protect its citizens' health and well-being while ensuring sustainable economic progress for the future.

Source: insights.omnia