Obesity has emerged as one of the defining global public health challenges of the 21st century. Over recent decades, the prevalence of obesity has risen sharply across nearly every region of the world, transforming what was once considered a personal lifestyle issue into a systemic crisis with profound social, economic, and medical consequences. Today, nearly 890 million adults worldwide are classified as obese, representing roughly 43 percent of the global adult population. While this trend is deeply concerning everywhere, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands out for the speed and scale of its increase in obesity rates, making urgent intervention unavoidable.

The rapid rise of obesity in the MENA region is not the result of a single factor. Instead, it reflects a complex interaction of environmental, cultural, economic, and behavioral changes that have unfolded over a relatively short period. Economic growth, urbanization, lifestyle shifts, and changes in food systems have collectively reshaped how people eat, move, and live. As a result, obesity has become a structural issue-one embedded in daily life rather than driven by individual choice alone.

One of the most significant contributors to rising obesity rates in the Middle East is widespread physical inactivity. Across the MENA region, activity levels are among the lowest in the world. According to available data, only around 38.5 percent of adults meet the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of physical activity. In some Gulf countries, the situation is even more alarming. In nations such as Kuwait and Qatar, more than 80 percent of adolescents and over half of adults fail to engage in sufficient physical activity.

Environmental and infrastructural factors play a major role in this trend. Extreme heat and high humidity, particularly during long summer months, make outdoor physical activity difficult and sometimes unsafe. Walking or cycling, which are common modes of transport in many parts of the world, are often impractical in Gulf cities. As a result, car dependency has become deeply entrenched, even for very short journeys. Urban planning has historically prioritized road networks over pedestrian-friendly spaces, reinforcing sedentary lifestyles.

Additionally, modern work patterns-characterized by long hours, desk-based jobs, and extensive screen time-have further reduced daily movement. For many people, physical activity is no longer naturally embedded into daily routines and must instead be consciously scheduled, a challenge that many struggle to meet.

Alongside physical inactivity, dietary patterns in the Middle East have undergone dramatic transformation. Traditional diets, once rich in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, have increasingly been displaced by highly processed foods, fast food meals, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Junk food is now widely accessible, aggressively marketed, and often more affordable and convenient than healthier alternatives.

Fast food outlets are ubiquitous across cities in the region, and sugary drinks have become a staple of daily consumption. The combination of large portion sizes, high sugar content, and calorie-dense meals has significantly increased overall energy intake. Over time, this imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended has fueled rising obesity rates.

Cultural norms around food further complicate the issue. In many Middle Eastern societies, food is deeply tied to hospitality, generosity, and social connection. Meals are central to family gatherings, celebrations, and religious occasions, where abundance is often seen as a sign of respect and care. While these traditions are culturally meaningful, they can also encourage overeating, particularly when combined with modern high-calorie foods and sedentary habits.

As analysts such as Zaid M. Belbagi have argued, obesity in the MENA region can no longer be viewed as a matter of personal responsibility alone. Its implications extend far beyond individual health, placing immense pressure on public health systems and national economies.

Obesity is closely linked to a range of chronic noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and kidney disease. The Middle East already has some of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in the world, and obesity is a key driver of this trend. Treating these conditions requires long-term medical care, medication, and hospital services, significantly increasing healthcare expenditures.

The mental health consequences of obesity are equally important. Individuals living with obesity are at greater risk of depression and anxiety and often face social stigma and discrimination. These psychological burdens can undermine self-esteem, limit social participation, and create barriers to seeking medical or lifestyle support, perpetuating a harmful cycle.

Economically, the costs are staggering. Obesity-related diseases are estimated to cost the Gulf Cooperation Council countries approximately $68 billion annually. This burden extends beyond healthcare budgets, affecting workforce productivity through absenteeism, reduced performance, and early retirement due to illness. As populations continue to grow and age, these costs are expected to rise further unless decisive action is taken.

Recognizing the seriousness of the crisis, governments across the MENA region have begun to implement policy responses aimed at prevention and management. In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Health and Prevention introduced national clinical guidelines for weight management and obesity prevention, reframing obesity as a chronic disease rather than a lifestyle choice. This approach emphasizes standardized care pathways, early intervention, and long-term management.

Saudi Arabia has also placed obesity prevention at the center of its health reform agenda under Vision 2030 and the Healthcare Sector Transformation Program. These initiatives aim to promote healthier diets, encourage physical activity, and create environments that support overall well-being.

One particularly effective policy tool has been the regulation of unhealthy food marketing, especially to children. Evidence from countries such as the United Kingdom shows that restricting television and online advertising of junk food before certain hours can reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy messaging. Inspired by these examples, several MENA countries have begun adopting similar measures.

Abu Dhabi has restricted unhealthy food advertising near schools and public spaces, while Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority has issued guidelines limiting marketing aimed at children. These policies recognize that early exposure to junk food advertising shapes long-term eating habits, making prevention in childhood a critical investment.

Government action alone is insufficient without meaningful participation from the food and beverage industry. In recent years, there has been growing momentum toward product reformulation, clearer nutritional labeling, and fiscal measures designed to discourage unhealthy consumption.

Saudi Arabia’s introduction of excise taxes on sugary drinks and energy drinks in 2017 represents a notable success. With a 50 percent tax on sugary beverages and a 100 percent tax on energy drinks, the policy led to a reported 35 percent decline in carbonated drink sales. These taxes not only influenced consumer behavior but also encouraged manufacturers to reduce sugar content and develop healthier alternatives.

Mandatory calorie labeling on restaurant menus has further empowered consumers by providing transparent information at the point of purchase. When combined with public education campaigns, such measures can shift social norms around food choices and portion sizes.

Despite early signs of progress, reversing the obesity epidemic in the Middle East will require sustained, coordinated effort. No single policy can address such a deeply rooted issue. Instead, success depends on a comprehensive strategy that integrates public health policy, urban planning, education, and private-sector cooperation.

Encouraging physical activity will require investments in climate-adapted infrastructure, such as shaded walkways, indoor sports facilities, and pedestrian-friendly urban design. Schools can play a vital role by prioritizing physical education and nutrition literacy from an early age. Public awareness campaigns must be culturally sensitive while challenging harmful norms around overconsumption.

If current efforts are expanded and maintained, projections suggest that obesity rates in the MENA region could begin to decline by 2030. Achieving this outcome will demand political will, regulatory consistency, and long-term commitment.

The obesity crisis in the Middle East is neither accidental nor inevitable. It is the result of structural changes in how societies eat, move, and live-and it therefore requires structural solutions. By regulating junk food marketing, incentivizing healthier diets, redesigning urban spaces, and fostering collaboration between governments and industry, MENA countries can begin to reverse this dangerous trend.

The path forward is challenging but clear. With coordinated action and sustained commitment, the region has an opportunity not only to curb obesity but also to build healthier, more resilient societies for future generations.

Please follow Blitz on Google News Channel