Sunday 17 / May / 2026
Muscat: Obesity has emerged as one of the most serious public health challenges worldwide, significantly increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and joint disorders. Over the past five decades, global obesity rates have tripled, with Gulf countries witnessing some of the sharpest increases due to rapid socio-economic development, changing lifestyles and rising sedentary behaviour.
Oman is among the countries experiencing a worrying rise in obesity levels, particularly among women and adolescents, raising concerns about long-term public health and intergenerational health impacts.
Speaking during the 33rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO) held recently in Istanbul, Türkiye, Dr Amira al Kharusi of Royal Hospital, said the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases and Associated Risk factors 2025 found that nearly two-thirds (64.7 percent) of Oman’s population is either overweight or obese (BMI ≥25).
“Almost 30 percent of the Omani population is overweight, but when combined with obesity the figure exceeds 60 percent,” Dr Amira said during a meeting organised by Novo Nordisk in Turkiye recently.
She attributed the rise to changing dietary habits, especially increased consumption of junk food, coupled with declining levels of physical activity.
“You can easily see groups of children sitting idle with mobile phones in their hands and doing very little physical exercise. This is a cause for alarm because it increases their chances of becoming overweight,” she said.
According to the WHO STEPwise survey, obesity prevalence among Omani nationals was significantly higher than among non-Omani residents. The study reported obesity rates of 35.2 percent among Omanis compared with 19 percent among non-Omanis.
The findings also revealed that Omani women are disproportionately affected, with obesity prevalence reaching 40.9 percent compared with 28.2 percent among Omani men.
Health experts warned that obesity among women of reproductive age could have long-term implications for future generations, as excess body weight during pregnancy can affect the health of unborn children.
Data also indicate a sharp rise in obesity prevalence over the years. In 2008, around one in four Omani adults (24.1 percent) were classified as obese. By 2017, the figure had risen to more than one in three adults (35.2 percent).
The increase has been particularly severe among women. Obesity prevalence among Omani women rose from 26.1 percent in 2008 to 40.9 percent in 2017.
At the primary healthcare level, Oman screens adults above the age of 40 for non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. In 2019, across the Sultanate’s 11 governorates, 36.6 percent of those screened had a BMI greater than 30, while more than 52.6 percent were found to have excess abdominal fat.
Regional data showed obesity was most prevalent in the southern governorates, particularly Dhofar (52.6 percent) and Al Wusta (46.9 percent), indicating a potentially greater healthcare burden in these areas due to associated chronic diseases.
The data for other governorates are Al Dakhiliyah 31.6%, North Al Sharqiyah 31.0%, Al Dhahirah 36.7%, South Al Sharqiyah 32.5%, Al Buraimi 31.7% Muscat 33.5%, South Al Batinah 38.8%, North Al Batinah 36.2%, Musandam 35.6%.
Studies also found that obesity among women increases significantly with age. Omani women recorded an average waist circumference of 88.7 centimetres, placing them at higher risk of abdominal obesity and related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, especially after menopause.
The report further highlighted growing concerns over childhood obesity in Oman. Health experts said obesity among children affects not only physical health but also emotional wellbeing, educational performance and long-term quality of life.
Children who are overweight are more likely to miss school, achieve lower academic results and face bullying, while also being at greater risk of obesity and chronic illness later in life.
Venkat Kalyan, General Manager of Novo Nordisk for the Gulf, said that we have launched our pill in Oman after approval of price from the government. “Se we have both the products for the removal of diabetes and obesity,” he added.
Data from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) showed a dramatic increase in obesity among Omani children and adolescents over the past four decades. In 1975, only 2.7 percent of boys and 4.7 percent of girls aged between five and 19 were overweight, while obesity rates were negligible at 0.4 percent for both sexes.
Today, the picture has changed significantly. Around 34.2 percent of boys and 30.2 percent of girls in the same age group are now overweight, while obesity affects 16.1 percent of boys and 13.3 percent of girls.
Health experts said the growing obesity crisis in Oman mirrors trends across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where economic growth, urbanisation and lifestyle changes have led to increased calorie consumption and reduced physical activity.
They stressed that addressing obesity requires a comprehensive strategy involving healthier diets, increased physical activity, early screening, public awareness campaigns and stronger healthcare interventions to reduce the long-term burden of non-communicable diseases.
