UAE health survey reveals progress on smoking but obesity crisis persists

The UAE's latest health survey reveals both progress and ongoing challenges in public health. While smoking rates have fallen and physical activity has increased, concerns remain over high cholesterol, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency across all age groups. The findings will now shape future health insurance policies and programmes nationwide.

The National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024-2025 shows mixed results in the UAE's health trends. Smoking has dropped by 2.4% over seven years, and physical activity levels have risen by 11.7%. Yet nearly 60% of adults still fail to meet recommended exercise guidelines.

Obesity remains a major issue, with 22.4% of adults classified as obese. Childhood obesity also spikes sharply with age—rising from 2.2% in under-fives to 16.1% among 6-17-year-olds. Over the past 15 years, obesity rates have climbed from 25–30% to 35–45% in adults, with Abu Dhabi (45–50%) and Dubai (40–45%) seeing the highest increases. Rural emirates like Fujairah (25–30%) and Ras al-Khaimah (28–35%) report lower figures.

Other concerns include high cholesterol (54.2% of adults), high blood pressure (25.9%), and excessive sodium intake (96.2% exceed daily limits). Vitamin D deficiency affects 49.3% of adults and nearly 70% of children. On a positive note, 99.6% of pregnant women attend at least one prenatal visit.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention plans to use this data to expand screening, refine health messaging, and develop targeted prevention programmes.

The survey highlights key areas for improvement in the UAE's public health strategy. With obesity, cholesterol, and vitamin D deficiency still widespread, authorities will focus on tailored interventions. The decline in smoking and rise in physical activity suggest some policies are working—but broader lifestyle changes remain necessary.