Prevalence and risk factors associated with nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean region

Abstract

This paper reviews the current situation concerning nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases (N-NCDs) and the risk factors associated with these diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). A systematic literature review of studies and reports published between January 1, 1990 and September 15, 2011 was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cancer, and osteoporosis have become the main causes of morbidity and mortality, especially with progressive aging of the population. The estimated mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease and diabetes ranged from 179.8 to 765.2 per 100,000 population, with the highest rates in poor countries. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was very high, ranging from 19% to 45%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) has reached an alarming level in most countries of the region, ranging from 25% to 82%, with a higher prevalence among women. The estimated mortality rate for cancer ranged from 61.9 to 151 per 100,000 population. Osteoporosis has become a critical problem, particularly among women. Several risk factors may be contributing to the high prevalence of N-NCDs in EMR, including nutrition transition, low intake of fruit and vegetables, demographic transition, urbanization, physical inactivity, hypertension, tobacco smoking, stunting of growth of preschool children, and lack of nutrition and health awareness. Intervention programs to prevent and control N-NCDs are urgently needed, with special focus on promotion of healthy eating and physical activity.

Review of the nutrition situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

“…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). Possible determinants of adult obesity in the Region include higher energy intakes, higher intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, larger food portion sizes, low intakes of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle, cultural norms and food subsidy policy (112,143,144). The escalating burden of adult obesity may have serious public health implications, given the positive associations between weight gain and NCDs (93,145), and that the Region already suffers from a high NCD burden, which accounts for > 50% of annual deaths (146).…”

Dietary and Activity Habits in Adolescents Living in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Over the last decade, the unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits have been of great concern to the local health authorities in most Arab countries [28] where obesity has reached an epidemic rate for both children and adults [28]. This current epidemic of childhood obesity is largely due to an environment that promotes excessive food consumption and encourages sedentary behaviors [22].…”

Do Arabic weight-loss apps adhere to evidence-informed practices?

“…These diseases have consistently been associated with overweight and obesity in the Middle East [3]. Although a positive correlation has been found between obesity and technology owing to increased sedentary behaviors, such as high rates of television watching among the Saudi population [4,5], smartphone and tablet technologies may prove to be useful tools in the treatment of obesity.…”