Dr. Jayantha Dassanayake, MAppSc, PhD, a Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Epidemiologist, presents his newly launched book Move to Heal, offering evidence-based strategies to combat the Middle East’s non-communicable disease crisis through physical activity. With NCDs causing over 70% of deaths in many Gulf countries, this timely resource provides practical, culturally relevant guidance for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers seeking to prevent and manage chronic diseases effectively.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now the leading health challenge across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses cause more than 70% of deaths in many Gulf countries, creating a public health burden that impacts productivity, economic growth, and quality of life. Much of this burden can be prevented, and physical activity is one of the most effective, cost-efficient tools we have.
I recently launched my book, Move to Heal: Physical Activity and Exercise Strategies for Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease, at Monash University in Melbourne (September 6, 2025). This book distills decades of evidence-based research into practical, culturally relevant strategies that empower individuals, families, workplaces, and communities to use exercise as medicine.
The need for resources in the Middle East is urgent. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports that about 20.7% of adults aged 20-79 in the UAE have diabetes, one of the highest rates worldwide [1]. Across the region, the prevalence is 17.6%, which equals nearly 85 million adults today, and this could increase to 163 million by 2050 if current trends stay the same [2]. Several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are among the top in the world for diabetes rates: Saudi Arabia (20.0%), Kuwait (21.1%), Qatar (20.2%), and Bahrain (19.9%) [3].
The increasing prevalence of obesity compounds these figures. In Saudi Arabia, over 50% of men and two-thirds (66%) of women are overweight or obese [5]. Among children, rates of obesity and overweight are rising, preparing the way for an even larger burden of NCDs in future generations. Experts warn that across the Arab world, the number of adults living with diabetes could almost double – by more than 96% – by 2035 [4].
Physical inactivity, sedentary jobs, urban growth, and dietary shifts are key factors in this crisis. Fortunately, evidence indicates that regular physical activity can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 40%, lower blood pressure, boost mental health, and slow down the progression of chronic diseases when they develop.
Move to Heal provides a detailed action plan – explaining how 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, along with strength training, can prevent and treat NCDs. The book also tackles barriers specific to the region, suggesting solutions that respect cultural norms, climate factors, and social structures.
By empowering individuals, supporting health professionals, and guiding policymakers, we can change the region’s health trajectory and lessen the burden of preventable disease.
References
- IDF Diabetes Atlas. UAE: Adult prevalence 20.7% (ages 20–79), 2024.
- IDF Diabetes Atlas. MENA region prevalence is 17.6%, affecting 85M adults (2024), with projections reaching 163M by 2050.
- Gulf Region Report, DKV Global Analytics. Diabetes prevalence: Saudi Arabia 20.0%, Kuwait 21.1%, Qatar 20.2%, Bahrain 19.9%, UAE high.
- Abdul-Ghani M, et al. Burden of diabetes mellitus in the Arab world: projections to 2035. SpringerLink.
- Obesity in the Middle East and North Africa. Wikipedia; recent population surveys, Saudi Arabia.
About the author: Dr. Jayantha Dassanayake, MAppSc, PhD, is a physical activity & chronic disease epidemiologist. Learn more here: https://www.drdassanayake.com/
