Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background/objectives: The United Arab Emirates 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.

Subjects/methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 628 randomly selected households in all seven emirates. Sociodemographics, 24-h dietary recalls, physical activity and anthropometric data were collected from adult females (≥ 19 years), adolescents (11-18 years) and children (6-10 years) 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 (6-10 years) 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 cardiometabolic problems in the United Arab Emirates. 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 (for example, 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.

Figure 1. Calories consumed at different eating occasions by gender-age group

Figure 2. Calories from beverages by gender-age groups

Note: Low fat milk include plain or flavored milks that contained skim milk and ≤2% milk fat; Whole milk include plain or flavored milks that contain >2% milk fat; Coffee & tea includes beverages that are primarily coffee or tea, and includes these beverages when sugar and/or milk have been added; Fruit and vegetable juices include 100% juice, and juice mixes, nectars (25-99% juice) either from concentrate, reconstituted or not-from-concentrate (freshly squeezed); Sugared soda and fruit drinks included carbonated and non-carbonated sweetened drinks such as colas and fruit drinks (<25% juice) or fruit flavor drinks (without any juice).

Figure 3. Adult female overweight and obese prevalence (2000 vs. 2010)

Figure 4. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents and children by gender