Abstract
Obesity rates are rising globally, but there is evidence that young people in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are at particularly high risk. We systematically searched the literature to map the MENA region for prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, and examine the underlying risk factors and adverse effects associated with obesity in this region. Inclusion criteria were: English-language, non-basic-science focused articles that used any of the standard obesity definitions and were conducted in the MENA countries within the last five years. We searched PubMed using combinations of key terms ((childhood) OR adolescence) AND obesity) AND (MENA or each country) AND (“last five years” [PDat]). Studies demonstrated an increasing prevalence of obesity among many countries in the MENA region, especially in the Gulf area. Notably, in Kuwait, prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 25.6% and 34.8% among young males and 20.8% and 20.5% among females. A meta-analysis revealed that physical inactivity, increased screen time, and higher social status were risk factors for childhood obesity. Childhood and adolescent obesity is a major challenge facing countries of the MENA region. Further research is needed to fully investigate the role of nutrition and other specific risk factors and evaluate various interventions to manage this pervasive and growing health problem.
Highlights
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a global public health challenge
Due to the scarcity of studies in many of the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, we included studies that used any of the commonly-used standards in the diagnosis of overweight and obesity, including the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), World Health Organization (WHO), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards [17]
While data is not complete, the rate of increase appears to be faster than that experienced among adults in the region, and is rapid in certain countries, especially in the Gulf area, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
Summary
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a global public health challenge. NCDs are already the predominant source of morbidity and mortality in high-income countries and are on track to dominate the health care needs of populations in most low and middle-income countries, primarily because of changes in lifestyle factors [1]. Obesity is one of the most important risk factors of the majority of NCDs. A strong evidence base is being built on the association of childhood obesity and early onset adulthood cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, and others [2]. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity ranges from 10% in northern Europe to 40% in southern Europe among children below the age of 10 [5]; in Latin America, 20–30% of the population under 19 years of age are obese or overweight [6]
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