[01] Taryam M. M. O., Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [02] Monsef N. A., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [03] Al Faisal W., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [04] Hussein H. Y., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [05] Suliman E. A., Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [06] Al Salaq A., Dubai Statistics Center, Dubai, UAE. [07] Almazmi F., Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [08] Obaid H., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [09] Wasfy A. S., Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE.

Background: Dubai government has tried to prevent, and manage overweight and obesity using treatment, regulation and education. The concenrned authorities have started to address the high rates of overweight and obesity through educational campaigns, seminars, and conferences. The presence of unhealthy eating behaviors and inadequate nutrient intake are crucial factors in determining population and individual body weight and health risks. Objectives: To estimate and describe the prevalence of overweight, underweight and obesity and related factors among Dubai population. Methodology: Dubai Household Health Survey was conducted in 2014 as a Cross-sectional, multistage, stratified, Cluster survey. Houses were visited to obtain detailed information on the different health-related issues. According to Dubai Statistical center, the total population of Dubai at the end of 2014 was 2327350 (males 1613175, females 714175) (UAE 212000, Expatriates 2115350). BMI has been identified for 4137 persons of the participants weighted to be 3017. Scales calibration has been considered, and rigorous training for data collectors was carried out. WHO classification was utilized to classify individuals into the different classes. Results: The study showed that 5% of the study population showed underweight, 36.1% were pre-obese, and 11.9% obese (8.4% found to have class 1 obesity, 1.7 showed class II obesity and 1.8 classified as class III). Regarding age distribution, and for the age group 18-59 years, among Emirati: obesity Class I was 15.8% for males, and 24% for females, class II obesity was 5.3% for males and 8% for females, and class III was 5.3% for males, and 4% for females. The distribution among non-Emirati was as the following: class I obesity was 8.4% for males, and 9.3% for females, class II obesity was 1.4% for males and 4.3% for females, and class III was 1.4% for males, and 3% for females. As for the age group above 60 years, class I obesity was found among 14.3% of Emirati males, and 14.3% of females, compared to 10.5% of non-Emirati males, and 8.3% of females. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity among Dubai population is significantly high, almost half of the population are in overweight or obesity categories. As overweight and obesity are considered to be major risk factor for NCDs, huge future wise burdens are expected in terms of morbidities and mortalities in addition to economic burdens. National based scientific program for body weight reduction and healthy life style needs to be widely applied and developed along with social mobilizations, advocacy, legislations and other effective strategies to address the rapidly growing problem.

Body Weight, Dubai Population, Profile, Related Factors

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