UAE's Bold Plan to Cut Obesity Could Boost GDP by $51 Billion by 2031
A new report titled Beneath the Surface: The Hidden Socioeconomic Impacts of Weight Loss has outlined how targeted obesity interventions could transform the UAE’s health and economy. Released in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the study suggests that over 1.2 million adults could overcome obesity by 2031 if action is taken now. The report highlights wide-ranging benefits from tackling obesity, spanning health, economic growth, social welfare, and education. Officials estimate that successful interventions could add $51 billion to the UAE’s GDP while cutting healthcare expenses by $1.5 billion within the next decade. By 2031, the country’s GDP might also grow by an extra 1.5 percentage points, potentially reaching $790 billion.
Dr Maria Hanif Al Qassim, assistant Undersecretary for Policies and Economic Studies, stressed the report’s role in shaping evidence-based policies. She noted that data-driven decisions would be crucial in addressing obesity effectively. Leena Aziz, Senior Director at Lilly, pointed to the UAE’s existing commitment to health as a foundation for further progress. Meanwhile, Fadi Fara, CEO of Whiteshield, argued that strong obesity treatment policies would not only improve public health but also deliver significant economic gains.
The findings underscore the potential for large-scale change if obesity interventions are scaled up. With over a million adults possibly moving out of obesity by 2031, the UAE could see major financial savings and economic growth. The report’s recommendations align with the nation’s broader goal of making health a central pillar of its development strategy.
