Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult females in the United Arab Emirates

Layla I. Sheikh-Ismail, C. Jeya K. Henry, Helen J. Lightowler, Ayesha Salem Al Dhaheri, Emad Masuadi, Huda M. Al Hourani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this present study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult females in the United Arab Emirates. A total number of 724 females, age 20-90 years, were recruited from the seven Emirates. The sample was divided into three age groups, 20 to > 30 years, 30 to > 60 years and < 60 years. Height, weight and mid-upper-arm circumference were measured in each subject. Overweight and obesity were defined as a body mass index of 25.0-29.9 kg/m 2 and < 30 kg/m 2, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27% and 16%, respectively. The age group between 30 and > 60 years had the highest prevalence of overweight (33%) and obesity (24%). In conclusion, the findings from our study suggest that a high proportion of adult females in the United Arab Emirates are overweight and obese. The consequences of this are a serious concern for public health and need to be addressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)26-33
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
Volume60
Issue numberSUPPL. 3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • Obesity
  • Overweight
  • Prevalence
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science

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