Over the past several decades, obesity has morphed from a localized health concern into a global pandemic with far-reaching consequences for public health, economies, and social systems worldwide. Traditionally perceived as a burden largely confined to affluent nations, recent epidemiological data reveal a concerning rise in obesity rates across low- and middle-income countries as well. This global proliferation can be attributed to multifaceted factors including economic development, rapid urbanization, and increased global trade that collectively reshape dietary habits and lifestyles on a massive scale.
Economic growth in emergent nations often triggers shifts in food systems, with an influx of inexpensive, calorie-dense processed foods becoming widely accessible. Urbanization accelerates this transformation by promoting sedentary behaviors, as populations migrate from physically demanding agricultural work to desk-bound occupations. Meanwhile, globalization facilitates the spread of Westernized eating patterns characterized by higher intake of sugars, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods. These convergent forces destabilize traditional food cultures and augment energy imbalances, resulting in a steep rise in overweight and obesity prevalence even among populations historically less affected.
Interestingly, the socioeconomic gradient of obesity varies markedly across nations depending on their economic status. In low-income countries, obesity tends to disproportionately affect the wealthier strata of society, driven partly by increased purchasing power enabling access to abundant, energy-rich foods, as well as more sedentary lifestyles. Conversely, in high-income countries, obesity is more prevalent among economically disadvantaged groups who may face limited access to healthy foods, healthcare services, and opportunities for physical activity. This divergence underscores the complex interplay of cultural, economic, and systemic determinants influencing obesity rates worldwide.
Within high-income societies, an additional layer of complexity is introduced by pervasive social stigmatization of obesity. This stigma, coupled with better availability of health-promoting resources, magnifies disparities, often marginalizing those with obesity from social and healthcare support networks. Moreover, education about nutrition and lifestyle choices plays a critical role in mitigating or exacerbating obesity prevalence, outlining how public health policies must adapt to diverse socioeconomic contexts to be effective.
Turning to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and specifically the United Arab Emirates (UAE), recent rapid economic expansion fueled by urbanization and a growing expatriate workforce has precipitated significant lifestyle shifts. These changes have fostered a fast-paced, convenience-oriented way of living dominated by technological integration and reduced physical exertion. The UAE, in particular, exemplifies this trend, where the decline in daily physical activities—both occupational and recreational—coupled with increased consumption of processed, energy-dense foods, has catalyzed a surge in obesity rates.
Epidemiological assessments substantiate this upward trajectory; between 1989 and 2017, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in the UAE have effectively doubled. According to data from the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook, approximately 31.7% of the UAE’s adult population now meets criteria for obesity. This ranks the nation, along with other GCC countries, among the highest globally for obesity prevalence and associated cardiometabolic disorders, illustrating the urgent need for tailored interventions within these emerging economies.
The health implications of obesity are well-documented, encompassing not only cardiometabolic complications but also significant musculoskeletal disorders that degrade functional mobility and quality of life, especially among females. Excess adiposity places increased mechanical stress on joints and connective tissues, accelerating degenerative processes such as osteoarthritis and contributing to chronic pain and disability. This nexus between obesity and musculoskeletal health demands comprehensive clinical attention, as mobility impairment further reduces physical activity, perpetuating a vicious cycle of weight gain and functional decline.
Obesity also exacts profound economic tolls on both micro and macro scales. Direct healthcare costs arise from increased utilization of medical services, including frequent hospital visits, longer inpatient stays, higher prescription medication use, and elevated rates of surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Individuals with obesity are disproportionately represented in these healthcare metrics, underscoring the strain on national health systems in regions experiencing rapid epidemiological transitions.
Beyond direct medical expenditures, indirect economic burdens wrought by obesity are substantial. Lost productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism—where employees are physically present but operate below optimal capacity—significantly diminishes human capital. Musculoskeletal complications often engender chronic pain and disability, leading to prolonged or recurrent work absences. Collectively, these factors contribute to a pervasive drain on economic growth potential, especially poignant in countries like the UAE where a significant portion of the workforce comprises expatriates contributing to rapid national development.
Addressing obesity in such contexts necessitates multidimensional strategies integrating policy, education, infrastructure, and healthcare delivery reforms. Public health initiatives must prioritize promoting physical activity amidst increasingly sedentary urban environments, incentivizing healthy dietary patterns over processed food consumption, and enhancing awareness around obesity-related health risks. Interventions should account for the unique sociocultural fabric of the UAE and GCC countries, recognizing demographic diversity, gender roles, and economic disparities to enhance efficacy.
Moreover, efforts to reduce obesity stigma are crucial in facilitating equitable access to healthcare and social support. Empowering individuals through education and community engagement can foster more inclusive environments that encourage weight management and health promotion without discrimination. Concurrently, healthcare systems must adapt to meet the rising demand for obesity-related services, including specialized management of musculoskeletal disorders, through capacity building and multidisciplinary care models.
Technological innovations present promising avenues to complement traditional approaches. Digital health platforms, wearable fitness trackers, and telemedicine can facilitate personalized interventions and ongoing monitoring, particularly in highly connected societies like the UAE. These tools can help overcome barriers related to time constraints and accessibility, thereby enhancing engagement and adherence to lifestyle modifications.
However, the epidemiological patterns observed in the UAE also highlight global challenges posed by urbanization and modernization. The paradox of obesity epidemics emerging amidst economic prosperity emphasizes the need for concerted global action to reconcile development goals with sustainable health outcomes. International collaboration, knowledge sharing, and harmonizing regulatory frameworks around food quality and marketing are integral components of this endeavor.
In conclusion, the escalating prevalence of obesity in the UAE and similar contexts reflects a complex confluence of economic, social, and behavioral transformations. The associated burden on musculoskeletal health and functional mobility, particularly among women, underscores critical areas for clinical focus and public health intervention. Holistic, culturally attuned strategies are essential to curb the trend, mitigate its consequences, and foster healthier populations capable of sustaining rapid economic progress without compromising well-being.
Subject of Research: Association of obesity with musculoskeletal health and functional mobility in females
Article Title: Association of obesity with musculoskeletal health and functional mobility in females—a systematic review
Article References:
Menoth Mohan, D., Al Anouti, F., Kohli, N. et al. Association of obesity with musculoskeletal health and functional mobility in females—a systematic review. Int J Obes (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-025-01881-8
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