Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk in the Arab Gulf States

Abstract

Purpose of Review Rapid economic growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states over the last half-century has been associated with a rise in obesity and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this review, we shed some light on the factors driving the obesity epidemic, promising interventions to overcome this public health crisis, and challenges precluding a successful public health impact. Recent Findings Overweight and obesity rates have nearly tripled in the GCC countries over the past four decades. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been rising in parallel. Several sociodemographic, environmental, and behavioral factors have been correlated with sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet habits, and ultimately the rise in overweight and obesity rates. Numerous studies have documented factors unique to the population of the Arab Gulf states, but high-quality data is scarce. Despite the growing awareness of the extent of the problem, several barriers to weight loss and physical activity need to be addressed. A few interventions to combat obesity at different levels have been reported with some promising outcomes. Using the social-ecological model (SEM), we review recently published interventions and discuss some challenges to overcome in order to make progress in fighting the obesity epidemic in the GCC. Summary Obesity prevalence has been mounting worldwide, and the Arab Gulf states are no exception. This public health crisis is drawing the attention of policymakers and several stakeholders. However, a lot needs to be done to reduce the burden of obesity and improve cardiovascular risks in the Arab Gulf states.

The use of electronic health records to examine the association between obesity and chronic conditions: Results from a population-based sample in Saudi Arabia

“…Our large sample included both Saudi and non-Saudi populations and showed a wider extent of obesity prevalence (45% women vs. 31% men). Our ndings are also consistent with the Almajwal et al study that showed an increased risk of diabetes and hypertension among the Saudi population relative to their BMI [21,23].…”

“…In addition, several previous regional cross-sectional studies have indicated variations in obesity prevalence in the Kingdom [21,24,25]. Although these rates varied between regions due to limited sample size and differences in age groups, their ndings consistently align with our ndings on the higher obesity prevalence among women.…”

“…Our nding underlines the major impact that obesity plays on NCDs and healthcare utilization and on population health. NCDs are currently responsible for around 73% of all death in the Kingdom [12,21]. If this burden continues, it will likely play a devastating impact on population health in the next decade in the Kingdom.…”

“…In particular, women have been shown in our study and other previous research to have a higher prevalence of obesity than men. [12,21,24]. A combination of social and policy factors may be leading to this inequality.…”

“…A combination of social and policy factors may be leading to this inequality. These factors include that women are more prone to stay home, have limited access to culturally acceptable exercise activities, and the high cost of female gyms relative to those for men [4,12,21].…”