Obesity by the Numbers: Understanding the Global Health Challenge

 

Obesity is a growing public health challenge worldwide, and the Gulf region is at the forefront of this issue. In the UAE alone, nearly 3 in 10 adults live with obesity (27.8%), with rates reaching over 39% in some emirates such as Fujairah and Ajman. Women (30.6%) are slightly more affected than men (25.1%), and obesity is more common among locals (36.9%) compared to expatriates (26.3%). 

It is a known fact that obesity affects men, women, children and adults, and people from all walks of life. Physical inactivity, calorie intake, and genetics are all associated with obesity; however, urbanization and stress are on a major rise which make a healthy lifestyle even harder to achieve. 

Understanding the statistics is where it starts. By viewing a problem like obesity with a health risk, an economic risk, and a lifestyle risk, we can begin to make pathways to applications for better defined health in populations and communities. Let’s see how. 

Causes of Obesity 

Obesity can occur due to various reasons. It is important to understand the root cause before you build a plan for yourself. Here are some of the causes: 

1. Caloric imbalance: Consistently consuming more calories than the body expends through physical activity and metabolism.
2. Genetics: Genetic factors play a major role in the body's fat storage, appetite regulation, and metabolism. More than 40 gene sites have been linked to obesity risk.
3. Lifestyle: Diets that are high in fast food, sugar, and processed food, inactivity, and large portion sizes contribute significantly.
4. Other factors: Lack of sleep, stress, loss of muscle due to age, some medications (steroids, antipsychotics), and some medical conditions (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome) can also cause or worsen obesity.
5. Environment and society: Urbanization, automation, availability of low-cost high-caloric foods, and economic policies promote obesogenic environments.
6. Psychological factors: Stress, eating disorders, and mental health issues also contribute to obesity.

Economic and Social Impact of Obesity

Obesity is not just a physical disease, it goes beyond and hinders the human at an economic, social, and psychological level. It is important to understand these factors so you can be kinder to people who experience this on a daily basis and help them in any way possible. 

1. Costs to healthcare systems

Obesity significantly raises healthcare costs, with those with severe obesity spending up to 2.5 times the amount of those at a healthy weight. This cost is largely due to increased costs in inpatient care, outpatient care, surgical care, and prescription medications that raises total healthcare expenditures, expected to almost triple by 2025.

2. Productivity and workplace impact

Obesity leads to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity (presenteeism) in the workplace, costing companies billions of dollars each year. Employers are also facing growing insurance premiums and disability claims, as a result of health issues stemming from obesity, and the resulting implications on productivity and economic development within communities.

3. Social stigma and mental health effects

Individuals with obesity frequently encounter social stigma and discrimination, resulting in anxiety, depression, decreased self-esteem, and feelings of social isolation. These mental health challenges can make considerations of management and recovery more difficult and create obstacles for modifying lifestyle and initiating medical treatment to effectively address obesity.

Prevention and Solutions to Tackle Obesity 

In order to prevent further complications for your health, there are some daily lifestyle habits you must incorporate in your life to tackle obesity in a sustainable and healthy manner. It is the effect of all these factors that contribute to a healthy weight. 

1. Focus on diet

It is very important to consume a balanced and nutritious diet if you want to maintain a healthy weight. Favor whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and red or processed meats. Reducing calories and enhancing diet quality through plants can reduce inflammation and help to manage healthy body weight.

2. Do daily exercise

Participating in regular physical activity can help to burn calories, develop muscle, and increase your metabolism. Incorporate both aerobic activity (walking and cycling) and strength training to keep your heart and overall body strong and healthy. In addition, staying active also supports mental well-being and reduces risk of obesity-related diseases.

3. Prioritize sleep & manage stress 

Aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep is important as not getting enough sleep can disrupt hormonal regulation of your appetite. Planning strategically for stress management through mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or counseling can mitigate overeating as a result of stress and support the long term changes in lifestyle.

4. Support and education for behavioral change

Programs that offer some level of support, education or training on healthy eating behavior or diet plan for obesity can positively influence motivation, improve emotional eating and initiate a longer term change in behavior.

5. Routine health screening

Health screening can identify potential health risks due to weight-related problems such as diabetes or hypertension and open opportunities for intervention and mitigation of further complications.

Build a Weight Loss Diet Plan for Obesity with Valeo 

Build your weight loss diet plan for obesity with Valeo coaches and dietitians who take the time to meet with you individually to help you create a program customized to your lifestyle, medical consideration, and personal goals. Valeo ensures that your plan is fully individualized so you can get results that are safe and easy to maintain.

In addition, Valeo provides the highest quality of supplements, medical supervision, and ongoing access to our nutrition and exercise experts, from the introductory consultation until you reach all your weight loss milestones. So instead of trying out every other weight loss trend in the market, sign up on Valeo and start your journey the safe and proven way with Valeo health coaches. 

FAQs

1. What is the healthiest way to lose weight if I am obese?

If you are obese, the healthiest way to lose weight is combined with balanced eating, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Valeo coaches and dietitians build a plan that fits your health profile so you can see steady and sustainable results. 

2. How long will it take for me to see results on Valeo's weight loss plan?

Everyone is different, but many clients see changes in energy, metabolism, and weight within the first 4-6 weeks. There will be continued consistent support and adjustments for safe and effective long-term results. 

3. Will I get a meal plan from Valeo?

Yes. The dietitians at Valeo build meal plans for you based on your preferences, lifestyle, and cultural habits. They focus on whole food and nutrient-dense foods and practical solutions for eating at home, work, or while traveling.

4. Should I exercise every day?

Not necessarily. Your Valeo coach will help you decide what type of exercise and how often you should exercise to fit your fitness level and medical condition. Our overall focus is simply to make active living a regular part of your routine, rather than a chore.

5. Does the plan include supplements?

Yes. Valeo provides high-quality medically supervised supplements to help support your nutrition and overall health as part of your customized plan.

6. Is this plan safe if I have diabetes, hypertension or other chronic conditions?

Yes. All plans are made under medical supervision and will be based on your individual health needs, which will make safety a top priority every step of the way.

7. How do I start my weight loss journey with Valeo? 

It begins with a consultation. Our team will perform some necessary health screening, learn about your goals, and finally prepare a plan that is fully customized specifically for you, complete with diet, exercise, supplements, and tracking.

References 

Alamri, F., Alhowikan, A., & Alfarhan, M. (2025). Prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults from the Middle East: A large-scale population-based study. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Source

Kaleem, H. (2025, March 2). UAE's obesity rates to hit 95% by 2050, highest globally. Khaleej Times. Source 

World Obesity Federation. (2018, September 17). World Obesity Atlas 2025. Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, December 19). Obesity strategies: What can be done. Source

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2025, August 12). Preventing obesity. The Nutrition Source. Source

World Health Organization. (2023, May 16). New WHO framework available for prevention and management of obesity. Source