Nutrition Situation Analysis in the UAE: A Review Study

Abstract

This review study aimed to assess the nutrition situation in the UAE using published data from 2010 to 2022. It highlights the gaps and challenges that prevail in addressing the nutrition-related problems in the UAE and the opportunities that have been overlooked. The available literature indicates that the UAE is burdened with more than one form of nutrition-related problems, including being underweight, being overweight, obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and nutrition-related chronic diseases. It is clear that data on micronutrient deficiencies, protein-energy malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, and other nutrition-related diseases among the UAE population are extremely scarce. The UAE has a high prevalence of obesity and diabetes; however, limited studies have been conducted to document this nutritional phenomenon. Few examples of published data are available assessing the burden of stunting, wasting, and being underweight among children under five years of age. Despite the importance of protein-energy malnutrition, no recent publications analyze its prevalence within the UAE population. Therefore, future studies must be conducted, focusing on malnutrition. Based on the literature, and bearing in mind the magnitude of the health issues due to the UAE population’s nutrition negligence, there is an urgent need to assess the population’s nutrient behaviors, to aid policy decision-makers in developing and implementing effective health policies and strategies.

Analysis of the nutritional status in the Palestinian territory: a review study

“…Several studies discussed the prevalence rate of exclusive breastfeeding in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The prevalence in overall Palestine (43.3%) was below the WHO target prevalence and other regional countries, such as the reported prevalence in the UAE (59.7%) ( 131 ) but higher than those in Jordan (25.4%) ( 126 ) and Lebanon (27%) ( 132 ). Factors associated with low exclusive breastfeeding found in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip include the perception that breast milk is not sufficient to meet an infant's needs, a younger maternal age, and the number of children.…”

“…However, in the Gaza Strip, the percentage is still relatively high (9.7%). While the study in the West Bank has a different prevalence (13.7%), this rate was below the global level (14.6%) ( 123 ), not far from Western Asia (10.9%) ( 124 ) but not less than that in the UAE (11.8%) ( 125 ), and Jordan (16.7%) ( 126 ). Factors discussed in the studies were smoking, anemia, a high number of parities, and diet during pregnancy.…”

Child health status in the United Arab Emirates: an in-depth exploration of current issues and challenges

“…One of the major concerns for child health in the UAE is malnutrition (Al Sabbah et al, 2023;Galal & Hulett, 2023;Cheikh Ismail et al, 2022;Nasreddine et al, 2018). According to Nassreddine et al, (2022), in UAE, 10% children among 0-4 years old were stunting.…”

“…According to Nassreddine et al, (2022), in UAE, 10% children among 0-4 years old were stunting. On the other hand, Al Sabbah et al, (2023) reported that according to UNICEF, the rate of low birth weight in the UAE increased from 6.9% in 2000 to 11.6% in 2015. The UAE Ministry of Health also reported a similar rate of 11.8% in 2019, while a study in Abu Dhabi found a rate of 9.4% in 2020.…”

“…Obesity in early age has been linked to a variety of factors, including socioeconomic, geographical, and environmental factors, however, the most significant factors have been found to be individual and parental behaviors. A study of adolescent schoolchildren in Al Ain city also found that obesity in children and adolescents is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (Al Sabbah et al, 2023). This is a significant concern as obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.…”