By the year 2020, Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are expected to account for seven out of every
ten deaths in the developing regions, compared with less than half today. Research has already shown
that NCDs have their roots in unhealthy lifestyles or adverse physical and social environments. Risk
factors like unhealthy nutrition over a prolonged period, smoking, physical inactivity, excessive use of
alcohol, and psychological stress are among the major lifestyle issues.
The current epidemiological profile of population health in UAE and consequently health care needs for
the country are characterized by a double burden of disease and causes of ill health. In UAE about 77.5%
of males and 75.7% of females eat less than 5 fruit and vegetable servings per day. Physical inactivity
prevalence almost reached 37.9% among males and 56.7% among females. About 38.4% of youth (13 –
15 year) males and 42.6% of females spent 3 or more hours per day sitting. The result of this
combination is high prevalence of obesity, overweight and related diseases.
The prevalence of obesity and overweight in UAE (BMI > 30) reaches 25.6% among males and 39.9%
among females. The WHO estimates that obesity prevalence will reach 44.6% among females by the
year 2015. Dislipidaemia is prevalent and Diabetes Mellitus is increasing in the population reaching a
prevalence rate of 24%. The overall prevalence of Hypertension is found to be 31.6% among adult
Emirates nationals.
International and regional experiences demonstrate practical approach for health promotion and NCDs
prevention. The comprehensive integrated community-based intervention program for noncommunicable
diseases (NCDs) prevention and health promotion are successful in addressing dietrelated
diseases. The key interventions must address primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels.