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Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 65, pages 1328–1337 (2011)Cite this article

Subjects

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.

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Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the United Arab Emirates Environmental Agency, Abu Dhabi. We thank the University of North Carolina's Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center, the interviewers, nurses, dietitians, data coders and respondents in the United Arab Emirates who were involved in the UNC-Indoor Air, Health and Nutrition Study. In addition, thanks to Phil Bardsley for programming assistance, Frances Dancy for administration help and Tom Swasey for graphics assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    S W Ng & B M Popkin

  2. Department of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii, Manoa, HI, USA

    S Zaghloul

  3. Department of Nutrition and Health, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

    H Ali

  4. Department of Community Health Services and Nutrition, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    G Harrison

  5. Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, HI, USA

    K Yeatts

  6. Department of Community Medicine, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

    M El Sadig

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  1. S W Ng
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Correspondence to B M Popkin.

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Ng, S., Zaghloul, S., Ali, H. et al. Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates. Eur J Clin Nutr 65, 1328–1337 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2011.135

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