Why are UAE doctors warning that obesity is causing “adult” health problems in children?

UAE doctors are increasingly seeing children and teenagers with obesity develop health problems traditionally associated with adults, including insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea. Teenagers aged 10 to 19 are considered particularly vulnerable as unhealthy eating habits, low physical activity and excessive screen time become harder to change. Doctors stress that treatment should go beyond simply telling children to “eat less and exercise more”, with individual assessment, realistic goals, regular follow-up and support from parents, paediatricians and dietitians. Early intervention can help prevent childhood obesity from becoming a lifelong health problem.