Global obesity rates have increased in recent decades, with about 890 million adults worldwide now classified as obese. Obesity affects a troubling 43 percent of adults globally. However, the Middle East and North Africa region stands out, as it has seen one of the fastest increases in obesity prevalence among all regions. This rapid rise calls for immediate action from both public health systems and the food industry to address what is now a structural crisis.
Several factors contribute to this alarming trend, starting with the region’s low levels of physical activity. MENA countries exhibit some of the lowest physical activity levels worldwide. Only 38.5 percent of adults in the region meet the World Health Organization’s recommended guidelines. In nations such as Qatar and Kuwait, the numbers are particularly shocking, with more than 80 percent of teenagers and 55 percent of adults not engaging in sufficient physical activity.
This trend is intensified by an overreliance on cars, which is a direct consequence of the extreme weather conditions in the Gulf. The intense heat and humidity during summer months make walking unbearable, leaving people with little choice but to use cars even for short trips.
Alongside physical inactivity, the increasing consumption of junk food has become a significant factor driving the region’s obesity epidemic. Fast food and sugary drinks have permeated the daily diet and their easy availability has led to rising rates of overeating. Coupled with this is the food culture in the region, where traditional dishes tend to be high in calories. Meals are often seen as social events, with food being central to gatherings, family events and even religious celebrations. Hospitality and generosity are deeply tied to food, which frequently leads to overconsumption.
The implications of this rising obesity epidemic are profound. Obesity is no longer just a personal issue — it has evolved into a public health crisis with far-reaching consequences. The impact on health systems in the MENA region is already being felt. Obesity is linked to several chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease, all of which place an immense strain on healthcare systems. Furthermore, the mental health effects of obesity cannot be overlooked. Those living with obesity are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety and face significant stigma, which can negatively affect self-esteem and hinder social inclusion.
This health crisis also comes with a substantial financial burden. The cost of obesity-related diseases is rising, straining public finances and healthcare systems across the region. Obesity-related diseases cost the Gulf Cooperation Council states about $68 billion annually, impacting not just healthcare budgets but also workforce productivity. The economic burden is growing and it is clear the status quo cannot continue.
The increasing consumption of junk food has become a significant factor driving the region’s obesity epidemic.
Zaid M. Belbagi
Governments in the MENA region have begun to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and are taking steps to address it. In the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention last year introduced the National Clinical Guidelines for Weight Management and Prevention of Adulthood Obesity, which reframe obesity as a chronic disease and establish standardized care pathways nationwide. Saudi Arabia, where more than a quarter of adults are obese, has also made obesity prevention a priority under its Healthcare Sector Transformation Program and Vision 2030. These efforts focus on promoting healthier diets and creating environments that foster well-being.
One potential strategy for combating the obesity epidemic is through stronger regulations on junk food advertising. In the UK, for example, television and online ads promoting unhealthy food and drink are banned before 9 p.m. to protect children. This move has proven effective and experts in the MENA region are calling for similar restrictions here.
Abu Dhabi has already introduced measures to restrict unhealthy food advertising around schools and public spaces, while Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority has issued guidelines aimed at curbing marketing to children. By limiting the exposure of young people to unhealthy food advertisements, these policies can help shape healthier eating habits from an early age.
Equally important is the role of the food industry in addressing the crisis. Over the past few years, there have been growing efforts to reformulate products, introduce clearer labeling and impose taxes on unhealthy foods. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the government introduced an excise tax on sugary drinks (50 percent) and energy drinks (100 percent) in 2017, leading to a 35 percent drop in carbonated drink sales. These taxes have encouraged consumers to choose healthier alternatives and have prompted food companies to reduce the sugar content in their products. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has also mandated calorie labeling on restaurant menus, giving consumers the information they need to make healthier choices.
These regulatory efforts are already yielding positive results. If MENA countries continue to follow the example set by Saudi Arabia, obesity rates could decrease substantially by 2030. This requires sustained efforts, including food reformulation, stricter regulations on junk food marketing and a continued push for greater physical activity. The key to success lies in creating a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that involves both government policies and industry cooperation, along with education initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles from a young age.
In conclusion, the obesity crisis in the MENA region is a complex, structural issue that demands urgent attention from both public health systems and the food industry. By implementing structured policies, such as regulating junk food marketing and incentivizing healthier food options, alongside initiatives that encourage physical activity and dietary changes, MENA countries can make significant progress in reversing the obesity trend.
The path forward is clear: through collaborative efforts and sustained commitment, the region can begin to address this growing epidemic and improve the overall health and well-being of its populations.
BY: Zaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect The Times Union‘ point of view
