EMPHNET's Call to Action: Tackling Obesity Globally and Navigating Challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean Region on World Obesity Day

On World Obesity Day, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) reaffirms its pledge and dedication to fight against the pressing issue of obesity, especially within the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Obesity stands as a complex public health challenge that affects one in every eight individuals around the world and therefore requires immediate attention, collaborative endeavors, and interventions based on evidence.

Obesity has escalated to epidemic proportions worldwide, affecting millions globally and presenting a significant threat to public health. Between 1990 and 2022, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents aged 5–19 years quadrupled from 2% to 8%, while among adults, it more than doubled from 7% to 16%[1] . Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and environmental factors contribute to this rise, leading to profound consequences for individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. In 2019 alone, an estimated 5 million noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths were attributed to higher-than-optimal BMI[2] .

Obesity is a widespread health concern in the Eastern Mediterranean countries, affecting 5.5% to 37.9% of the population in 2016[3] . Shockingly, around 7% of children under the age of five in the region are overweight[4] . The fight against obesity in the EMR faces distinct challenges, it is compounded by socio-economic factors, cultural influences, and geopolitical complexities. Moreover, the region grapples with the double burden of malnutrition, wherein undernutrition coexists with overweight and obesity. Disparities in access to nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity, and healthcare resources further exacerbate the burden of obesity in certain populations.

EMPHNET highlights the importance of a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach on a global scale to address the issue of obesity. Collaboration among governments, public health organizations, healthcare providers, and the private sector is crucial to develop and implement effective strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing obesity, and addressing its underlying causes. We at EMPHNET recognize the significance of tailoring interventions to the specific needs and cultural contexts of the EMR. Collaborative efforts at the regional and national levels are essential to implement policies that promote healthy living, ensure food security, and provide accessible healthcare services.

EMPHNET is committed to promoting evidence-based research, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and advocating for policies that address the obesity crisis. Through capacity-building initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of research and innovation, EMPHNET aims to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions to tackle obesity in the EMR and beyond.

On this World Obesity Day, let us unite in our commitment to combatting obesity, fostering healthier societies, and working towards a future where everyone can enjoy optimal health and well-being.

[1] WHO. Obesity and Overweight Key Facts. Available online at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (accessed March 4, 2024).

[2] GBD 2019 Risk Factor Collaborators. “Global Burden of 87 Risk Factors in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2019”. Lancet. 2020;396:1223–1249

[3] WHO?Global Health Observatory.?Indicators.? Available online at:?https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators ?(accessed March 4, 2024).

[4] Al-Jawaldeh A and Megally R. Impact evaluation of national nutrition policies to address obesity through implementation of sin taxes in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar. F1000Research?2020,?9:1287 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.27097.1 )