Obesity in the Middle East and North Africa

Share of adults that are obese in different countries in the Middle East and North Africa, 1975 to 2016

Obesity in the Middle East and North Africa is a notable health issue. Out of the 15 fattest nations in the world as of 2014, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), five were located in the Middle East and North Africa region.[1]

In 2005, the WHO measured that 1.6 billion people were overweight and 400 million were obese. It estimated that by the year 2015, 2.3 billion people will be overweight and 700 million will be obese.[2] The Middle East, including the Arabian Peninsula, Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey, and Iran, and North Africa, are no exception to the worldwide increase in obesity. Subsequently, some call this trend the New World syndrome.[3] The lifestyle changes associated with the discovery of oil and the subsequent increase in wealth is one contributing factor.

Urbanization has occurred rapidly and has been accompanied by new technologies that promote sedentary lifestyles.[4] Due to the accessibility of private cars, television, and household appliances, the population as a whole is engaging in less physical activity. The rise in caloric and fat intake in a region where exercise is not a defining part of the culture has added to the overall increased percentages of overweight and obese populations.[5] In addition, women are more likely to be overweight or obese due to cultural norms and perceptions of appropriate female behavior and occupations inside and outside of the home.[6]

  1. ^ "Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2014". World Health Organization. Archived from the original on January 20, 2015. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  2. ^ "Obesity and Overweight". World Health Organization.
  3. ^ Godwin, Stewart (2006). Globalization, Education, and Emiratisation: A Study of the United Arab Emirates. p. 4.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Barry Popkin was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Mahroos and Al-Roomi was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Abdulrahman Al-Nuaim was invoked but never defined (see the help page).