How the UAE’s conversation about obesity is moving beyond the scale

Obesity is a growing health concern in the UAE, with nearly a quarter of adults, or 22.4%, affected according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Survey 2024-2025. This survey also revealed that over half of adults have high cholesterol, around one in four have high blood pressure, and one in eight has elevated blood glucose levels. Obesity is now recognized as a chronic disease closely linked to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, prompting a shift in how it is discussed.

Venkat Kalyan, general manager of Novo Gulf, emphasizes that the focus is on "lasting health" rather than just achieving good health. He notes the wealth of data and knowledge on obesity's science, and the growing urgency to share this information. Kalyan argues that obesity is not merely a matter of personal willpower but a chronic disease that requires medical care akin to any other.

The survey highlights that excess weight strains the heart and is linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Novo Gulf's GLP-1 medicine, which has been used since 2017 for Type 2 diabetes and weight management, has shown benefits beyond weight loss in clinical trials. In the UAE, the injectable form is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with established heart disease and either overweight or obese.

The UAE has prioritized obesity and chronic diseases as a national health and economic priority. The Emirates Drug Establishment recently approved the tablet form of the GLP-1 for weight management, making the UAE the first country after the US to do so. Novo Gulf, founded in 1923, is expanding its presence in the UAE, planning to open a regional distribution center to serve the Gulf and wider region.

While medicine plays a role, Kalyan stresses that diet and physical activity remain fundamental in managing obesity. Novo Gulf supports patients through NovoCare, an education program with digital tools, a call center, and patient educators to help individuals understand their condition and live well with it. The company stresses that professional medical guidance is crucial, and patient safety is paramount. Kalyan urges anyone dealing with obesity to have an honest conversation with their doctor as soon as possible.