Dietary transition and obesity in selected Arabic-speaking countries: a review of the current evidence

Abstract

Escalating obesity rates have become a significant public health problem in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and have been associated with shifts towards a westernized diet. This integrative review aimed to examine the current dietary trends and transitions and their association with obesity in Arabic-speaking countries of the MENA region. Relevant databases were searched for studies in MENA countries between 1998 and 2014 that investigated obesity trends and changes in dietary patterns at the regional level in all age groups. A total of 39 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All the articles noted that obesity was increasingly prevalent and that there was a significant dietary shift away from traditional dietary patterns; 51% reported a shift towards a westernized diet and half found that the western diet was correlated with increased obesity. Culturally relevant dietary health education and health promotion strategies are warranted to address both the dietary shifts towards the westernized diet and the increasing obesity.

‘The Quranic Garden’: Consumption of Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains from an Islamic Perspective

“…Given the global obesity crisis, particularly facing the predominantly-Muslim countries in MENA and other Muslim communities around the world (Aboul-Enein, Bernstein, & Neary, 2017;Cong et al, 2014;Ludwig et al, 2011; World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, 2016), culturally congruent dietary education strategies and interventions targeting Muslim populations are warranted. A diet that closely aligns with plant-based foods mentioned in the Holy Quran can be regarded as part of a healthy dietary pattern comparable to the MD.…”

Professional nutrition journals from Arabic‐speaking countries: A regional status

“…Given that the Arabic‐speaking region is experiencing a dramatic shift from traditional dietary patterns to convenience foods and a Westernised diet (Aboul‐Enein et al . ), it is important to conduct more research in this region that considers the impact of cultural norms and practices. Nutrition research that focuses on the effects of culture (traditional or transitionary) could provide deeper understanding of the factors underpinning increasing rates of overweight and obesity in the Arabic‐speaking region.…”

“…For adolescents and adults aged ≥15 years in the Arabic‐speaking region, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have the highest levels of overweight and obesity with prevalence rates of 74–86% and 69–77% for women and men, respectively (Aboul‐Enein et al . ). Despite the high levels of overnutrition, undernutrition, in terms of both low bodyweight and nutritional deficiencies, continues to be reported within this region, particularly among preschool children in low‐income Arabic‐speaking countries such as Yemen, Somalia and the Palestinian Territories (Sunil ; Tsigga & Grammatikopoulou ; Kinyoki et al .…”

“…The Arabic-speaking region has the second highest mean body mass index in the world after North America and the second highest mean waistto-hip ratio after South America, indicating significant risk for non-communicable nutrition-related comorbid diseases (Yusuf et al 2005;Musaiger et al 2011a). For adolescents and adults aged ≥15 years in the Arabic-speaking region, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have the highest levels of overweight and obesity with prevalence rates of 74-86% and 69-77% for women and men, respectively (Aboul-Enein et al 2016b). Despite the high levels of overnutrition, undernutrition, in terms of both low bodyweight and nutritional deficiencies, continues to be reported within this region, particularly among preschool children in lowincome Arabic-speaking countries such as Yemen, Somalia and the Palestinian Territories (Sunil 2009;Tsigga & Grammatikopoulou 2012;Kinyoki et al 2015;Massad et al 2016;Mokdad et al 2016;Eshaq et al 2017).…”

The Current Status of Professional Journals in Dental and Oral Health From Arabic‐Speaking Countries

“…Between 1990 and 2010 disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs) associated with untreated oral health conditions increased 30.7 percent in Northern Africa and the Middle East;, in contrast North America (0.1 percent), Europe (−13.6 percent), the Caribbean (4.9 percent), and Asia‐Pacific (−0.2) fared much better during the same data collection period (Marcenes et al, ). Lack of oral health awareness, inadequate oral hygiene behaviors, high prevalence of smoking (Marcenes et al, ), and influx of high‐sugar Westernized dietary habits (Aboul‐Enein et al, ; Williams et al, ) are contributory factors. When looking at the dentist‐to‐population ratio in Somalia (1:241,639), Iraq (1:12,481), and UAE (1:3650) in comparison with the United States (1:2242) it is clear that dentistry is a small profession and perhaps does not hold the same value in some Arabic‐speaking countries as it does in the United States.…”