Key result
Physical inactivity in UAE adults is linked to ~34% higher odds of metabolic syndrome.
Why the study?
The UAE exhibits elevated rates of metabolic syndrome and physical inactivity driven by rapid urbanization, but a comprehensive synthesis of epidemiological evidence was lacking.
Meta-Analysis (n=77,360)
In the UAE, there is a high prevalence of both physical inactivity and metabolic syndrome, with physical inactivity associated with a 34% increased odds of metabolic syndrome.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
High MetS and inactivity prevalence in UAE signals need for targeted screening; extends regional CV risk data for future trials.
Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors strongly associated with physical inactivity, has emerged as a critical global public health concern. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) exhibits elevated prevalence rates of both conditions, driven by rapid urbanization and lifestyle transitions. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the epidemiological evidence remains lacking. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalence of physical inactivity and MetS in the UAE general population. Methods Data were obtained from systematic searches of eight databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus). Inclusion criteria encompassed observational studies reporting prevalence data on physical inactivity (primarily defined as not meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines: ≥ 150 min/week moderate-intensity activity) and/or MetS in UAE adults. Sixty prevalence studies were included, with data pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Results Three meta-analyses estimated physical activity (PA) prevalence using different methods across 39 studies ( n = 77,360), yielding a pooled prevalence of 32.2% (95% CI 24.8–40), substantially lower than the WHO global average of 69%. Accelerometer data (two studies, n = 296) showed 23.5% (95% CI 18.8–28.5), while survey-based reports (11 studies, n = 18,034) indicated 51.1% (95% CI 37.9–64.3). MetS prevalence was 31.2% (95% CI 23.6–39.4) from 14 studies ( n = 22,835). Both conditions showed high heterogeneity and sex-related differences, with lower PA and distinct MetS patterns in women. Physical inactivity was associated with 34% increased odds of MetS. Conclusion Physical inactivity and MetS represent important public health priorities in the UAE, with notable demographic variations warranting targeted interventions. Building on existing government health initiatives, addressing this burden requires comprehensive, multisectoral interventions encompassing urban environmental redesign, culturally adapted health promotion programmes, and context-specific diagnostic frameworks tailored to the UAE’s distinct environmental, sociocultural, and economic context.
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(Chartered) et al. (2026) conducted a meta-analysis in Physical inactivity and Metabolic Syndrome (n=77,360). Physical inactivity vs. Physical activity was evaluated on Metabolic syndrome (OR 1.34). Physical inactivity in UAE adults was associated with 34% increased odds of metabolic syndrome, with pooled prevalence rates of 32.2% for physical activity and 31.2% for metabolic syndrome.
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