Nutrition Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Middle East and North Africa Countries: Reviewing the Evidence

Abstract

Aim: To examine the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Middle East and North Africa countries and their associations with dietary behaviors as nutrition transition is unfolding in the region. Data: Data on CVD risk factors were collected from scholarly papers and a systematic review of published articles was performed. Dietary patterns were derived from the WHO Food and Agriculture Organization Statistical Databases. Results: Wide variations exist across countries in the prevalence of CVD risk factors, namely obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and physical inactivity, with some countries showing high values of certain factors which approach those observed in the developed world. In particular, obesity prevalence rates have reached alarming levels, particularly among women in the oil-rich countries (over 40%), making it the most pressing health concern in the region. Trends in the dietary pattern illustrated a consistent rise in total energy supply by approximately 730 kcal per capita per day between 1970 and 2005. Dietary patterns showed an increased consumption of fat and animal protein and a decreased intake of carbohydrates, particularly whole grain cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Regional differences were attributed to differences in lifestyle, occupation and a shift from traditional food habits. Our understanding of the CVD disparities across various geographic regions is key to our effort in planning relevant intervention programs. Public health efforts should focus on obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary practices. The success of these interventions depends on governmental commitment, multisectoral partnership and a consideration of the sociocultural norms of the target population.

The prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and associated risk factors among school-going adolescents in seven African countries

“…Furthermore adolescent living in this countries are more likely to be exposed to the proliferation of technology based entertainments such as playing of computer game and watching of television at the expense of physical activity based ones. The differences may also be attributed to differences in lifestyle, culture and a shift from traditional foods [53]. …”

Physical activity in adults with and without diabetes: from the ‘high-risk’ approach to the ‘population-based’ approach of prevention

“…A cross sectional study conducted among 346 adults 18 years and over selected from large stores across all governorates yielded a much higher estimate (55%) [22]. Findings from the WHO STEPwise surveys in countries of the MENA region also show a wide range of prevalence estimates of physical activity, varying between 13.2% and 78.4% [23]. The outcomes of these studies are difficult to compare with findings from the present study owing to differences in sampling design, sample characteristics, as well as the tool, operational definition and the scoring method employed to measure physical activity.…”

Association between dietary pattern and risk of cardiovascular disease among adults in the Middle East and North Africa region: a systematic review

“…Nevertheless, only one systematic review focusing on nutrition transition and the burden of CVD risk factors in the MENA region has been published (13); however, the association between diet and the presence of CHD and strokes in the region was not examined. Therefore, this paper attempts to fill this gap and review the available literature related to the association of dietary patterns with CHD, strokes, and associated risk factors among adults in MENA countries.…”