Obesity in children is a rising concern in the GCC regions. According to the World Obesity Federation, childhood obesity will continue to rise in the UAE, affecting nearly 14.62% children by 2020. As per a study published in the Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in children residing in UAE was 32.8%. When isolating data specific to UAE nationals, the rate of obesity was even higher: 22.2% versus 10.4% for non-nationals.
With the increase in fast food intake and indoor playing with modern gadgets, the next generation will be more prone to obesity-related complications like ailments of the heart, liver, lung, and metabolic disorders. Although most people in the region are aware of the ill effects of eating fast food, the consumption still remains high. Source: The National, Khaleej Times
