Diabesity in the Arabian Gulf: Challenges and Opportunities
Journal Title: Oman Medical Journal - Year 2018, Vol 33, Issue 4
Abstract
Diabesity (diabetes associated with obesity) is a major global and local public health concern, which has almost reached an epidemic order of magnitude in the countries of the Arabian Gulf and worldwide. We sought to review the lifestyle trends in this region and to highlight the challenges and opportunities that health care professionals face and attempt to address and correct them. In this regard, we aimed to review the regional data and widely held expert opinions in the Arabian Gulf and provide a thematic review of the size of the problem of diabesity and its risk factors, challenges, and opportunities. We also wished to delineate the barriers to health promotion, disease prevention, and identify social customs contributing to these challenges. Lastly, we wished to address specific problems with particular relevance to the region such as minimal exercise and unhealthy nutrition, concerns during pregnancy, the subject of childhood obesity, the impact of Ramadan fasting, and the expanding role of bariatric surgery. Finally, general recommendations for prevention, evidence-based, and culturally competent management strategies are presented to be considered at the levels of the individual, community, and policymakers.
Authors and Affiliations
Aly Bernard Khalil, Salem A Beshyah, Nabila Abdella, Bachar Afandi, Mounira M Al-Arouj, Fatheya Al-Awadi, Mahmoud Benbarka, Abdallah Ben Nakhi, Tarek M Fiad, Abdullah Al Futaisi, Ahmed AK Hassoun, Wiam Hussein, Ghaida Kaddaha, Iyad Ksseiry, Mohamed Al Lamki, Abdulrazzak A Madani, Feryal A Saber, Zeyad Abdel Aal, Bassem Morcos, Hussein Saadi
Keywords
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- EP ID EP331744
- DOI 10.5001/omj.2018.53
- Views 91
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