Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Objectives The UAE has undergone remarkable economic and social transformations over the past few decades. We present findings on the prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary and activity patterns among Emiratis in 2009/10, and explore associated urbanization and wealth factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 628 randomly-selected households in all seven emirates. Sociodemographics, 24-hour dietary recalls, physical activity and anthropometric data were collected from adult females (≥19y), adolescents (11-18y) and children (6-10y) in each family via in-person interviews using validated questionnaires. Results In 2009/10, 65% of adult women, 28% of male adolescents and 40% of female adolescents, 25% of male children and 41% of female children were overweight or obese. 43% of girls and 38% of boys (6-10y) consumed more calories than their estimated energy requirements. Snacking represents a major source of Emirati caloric intake (>20%) of total calories. In addition, caloric beverages account for 8-14% of total calories. Meanwhile, physical activity levels are low, especially among females Emiratis and those living in urban areas. Conclusions These trends represent the potential risk for severe cardio-metabolic problems in the UAE. The significant gender differentials among children and adolescents are driven by diet and activity differences. More attention should be paid to educate the public on nutrition (e.g., limit the consumption of sugared sodas, fruit drinks and whole milk, promote water and low-fat/skim milk consumption instead) and encourage physical activity from a young age, especially among females. Built environments and social support for improved lifestyle choices by individuals are needed.

Review of the nutrition situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

“…The results highlight a high prevalence and increasing trend of adult obesity in many countries (44,(87)(88)(89)(90). The regional average of adult obesity (24%) exceeds the worldwide average (9.8% in men and 13.8% in women) (142), as well as estimates reported from South Asia (1.2-2.9%), but it is lower than the average prevalence of adult obesity in North America (29.2%) (142).…”

Nutritional knowledge and habits of adolescents aged 9 to 13 years in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: a crosssectional study

“…According to a large-scale study in the UAE, almost 28% of male adolescents and 40% of female adolescents were overweight or obese. Furthermore, physical activity levels were low, especially among female Emiratis and those living in urban areas (30).…”

“…Therefore, adolescence appears to be an ideal time to influence choices and shifts in behaviour and attitudes. Eating behaviours and food choices are usually acquired in childhood but these are further shaped during adolescence and are influenced by a range of factors such as the media, socioeconomic status, peers, family and personal nutritional knowledge (19,28,30).…”

“…increased consumption of fast foods, unhealthy snacks), especially among the adolescent population (30,31). According to the World Health Organization, 74% of the Emirati population is overweight and 37% is obese (7,8).…”

Effect of Fruit Juices and Other Beverages on Loss of Tooth Structure

“…A study done in the United Arab Emirates revealed that consumption of caloric beverages like fruit juices and sugared sodas accounted for up to 70% of liquid intake [6]. A study among university students at Ajman revealed that majority of students preferred energy drinks over nutritional health drinks [7].…”