The burden of metabolic diseases in the Arab region, 1990–2021

Background: Metabolic disorders significantly contribute to global morbidity and mortality. However, data on these trends in the Arab region remain limited despite rising obesity rates and declining metabolic health. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the trends and burdens of metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and ischemic stroke and related risk factors in the Arab region. Design: A retrospective analysis of metabolic diseases based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. Methods: We analyzed age-standardized rates of disease prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021, using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Results: In 2021, the Arab region faced a substantial burden: 34.6 million with diabetes, 30.8 million with CVD, 32 million with CKD, 109.4 million with MAFLD, and 3 million with stroke. Mortality and DALYs for these diseases often exceeded global averages. Conclusion: The Arab region faces a significant public health challenge due to increasing metabolic disease burdens and inconsistent mortality reduction. A comprehensive approach addressing lifestyle factors and improving healthcare access is crucial to improving health outcomes and managing this growing burden.