By Dr. Basil Al Sharef and Dr. Mayada Elnegouly of CMC Hospital Dubai
In recent years, the GCC region has witnessed remarkable progress in its healthcare infrastructure, the availability of world-leading medical expertise, and innovative healthcare offerings and services. The GCC’s healthcare expenditure is a telling indicator, standing at US$86.8 billion in 2020, and was estimated to have grown by 16% in 2022 to reach US$104.1 billion.[1]
As our healthcare ecosystems have grown, so too have lifestyle patterns and habits changed. Not necessarily for the better, considering its accompaniment of new lifestyle-related diseases, resulting in growing concern among residents – and healthcare professionals like ourselves. That’s what a recent survey commissioned by CMC Hospital Dubai found. After polling 1,680 residents from the UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Kuwait in February 2024, 23% of respondents reported obesity, diabetes, and problems with the back, neck and spine as their top healthcare concerns, with 26% of respondents identifying surgically-related digestive diseases as the top issue on their mind.
Understanding the problem
Obesity is characterised by excessive fat. As this increases, biochemicals are released that contribute to insulin resistance, which is the key mechanism contributing to type 2 diabetes. These two interlinked conditions are approaching epidemic proportions in the region.
Respondents’ concerns around diabetes represent an understanding of the seriousness of the illness, with this significantly higher in Saudi Arabia relative to the overall average. This concern is not without merit. The International Diabetes Federation’s latest dataset from 2021 finds that the region records some of the highest diabetes rates globally.[2] Genetics plays a role, but a sedentary lifestyle and diet rich in sugar, fat, and carbohydrates are the primary drivers.
Obesity’s negative effects extend to more than just diabetes. Unless burned through a caloric deficit, fat accumulates throughout our bodies. Where that happens to be is by genetic disposition. But one critical area is the liver. Once a critical mass is reached, the patient experiences what we call metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which can progress to more severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alongside a build-up of scar tissue – or cirrhosis – and possibly liver cancer. None of this is good for you.
Concern surrounding digestive diseases, especially in Kuwait, is positive as it shows a public aware of its seriousness. We see this first hand in our daily interactions with patients, some of who complain of gastrointestinal conditions that require surgical intervention, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer.
But this concern isn’t just limited to digestive diseases. Musculoskeletal problems are high on their radar too, with 23% flagging this as a top health concern, which is significantly higher in Kuwait. Chronic musculoskeletal issues, particularly back, neck, and spine problems, are often the result of prolonged sitting, poor posture, and lack of physical activity. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid irreversible damage. Many patients, however, see a physician too late for fear of surgical intervention, while others’ cervical myelopathy and spinal deformities are misdiagnosed for lower back and neck pain. Understanding what severe spinal curvatures and deformities looks like for crucial medical intervention to prevent chronic pain, disability, and decline in quality of life.
For interventions in the right direction
Knowing the problem is half the battle, and preventative healthcare guides our approach in CMC hospital Dubai. We emphasise detection and prevention, and educate our patients about the importance of a balanced diet and exercise to reduce the onset of chronic diseases and improve their overall health outcomes and quality of life.
Patients can take a few simple measures to alleviate the onset of these illnesses. A balanced diet and active lifestyle might be one of the most effective preventative measures to combat the twin problem of obesity and diabetes. Combining physical activity with ergonomic exercises can reduce the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal problems; stretching, strength training, and maintaining proper posture are essential components of a comprehensive regimen.
Patients should regularly monitor themselves too, and regular screenings are vital to detect and treat diseases in their early stages. As part of the UAE’s guidelines, for example, patients are encouraged to regularly screen for colorectal cancer once reaching the age of 40.
But other stakeholders play a supplementary role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Employers, for example, can promote health and wellness among the workforce by providing fitness facilities and healthy food options to positively direct their health, and promote work-life balance to enable them to maintain their physical fitness. Additionally, educators can shape healthy behaviours from an early age by educating children about what a healthy and balanced diet looks like and promoting an active lifestyle.
In the public space, governments across the GCC are making commendable efforts tackling these health issues. The Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30 is an excellent example of promoting physical activity and fostering a culture of health. Similarly, KSA’s diabetes awareness campaigns and Qatar’s National Obesity Treatment Center are pivotal in addressing widespread health concerns.
Integrating technology for a healthier you
Incorporating technologies can be a game changer in the delivery of care and oversight over one’s status. Digital health platforms can provide patients with personalised diet regimes, exercise plans, and reminders for check-ups and screenings. Telemedicine services make it possible for patients to access a medical professional from the comfort of their home, especially when dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes and MASLD.
Wearable devices make it possible to track key vitals during physical activity. Moreover, showing patients their progress can incentivise them to continue their commitment. Over the long term, this personalised data can be fed into predictive analytics to indicate health trends, identify at-risk populations, and suggested targeted prevention strategies.
A collective effort for a healthier future
We have the opportunity to transform concern into action, our first call of action as healthcare providers is prevention first, and treatment second. Addressing the region’s worries requires a collaborative approach involving governments, healthcare providers, employers, educators, and individuals. By fostering a culture of health, promoting preventive measures, and investing in advanced healthcare solutions, we can mitigate the burden of chronic diseases and enhance the well-being of our population.
At CMC hospital Dubai, we are committed to leading this change and playing our part. Our state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated healthcare professionals, and patient-centered approach ensure that we provide the highest quality care. Together, we can create a healthier future for the GCC region.
References:
- Alpen Capital, GCC Healthcare Industry, 20 March 2023. https://alpencapital.com/research/2023/gcc-healthcare-report-mar20.pdf
- International Diabetes Federation, IDF Diabetes Atlas: 10th Edition, 2021). https://diabetesatlas.org/data/en/
