A Narrative Review on Dietary and Lifestyle Contributors to Non-Communicable Diseases in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

Journal article : Review

Objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are significant public health issue in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This review identified and evaluated dietary and lifestyle risk factors associated with NCDs across GCC countries. Methods: Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched for studies published between January 2020 and December 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Obesity prevalence ranged from 38% to 47% across GCC countries and emerged as a significant risk factor, with notable socioeconomic association, especially among women. The most prevalent unhealthy eating practices included excessive consumption of fast, processed, and ultra-processed foods, energy-dense diets, high-carbohydrate intake, and insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption. Educational level and income were strongly associated with dietary behaviors and physical activity. Physical inactivity was also consistently identified as a key contributor to obesity and NCD risk. Conclusion: Poor diet and sedentary behavior are major contributors to NCDs in the GCC. Targeted interventions, public education, promotion of active lifestyles, and supportive policy reforms are needed for both adults and children.

Authors: Alhebsi, AS; Osaili, TM; Papandreou, D; Zeb, F; Mohamad, MN

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• Journal: Public Health Reviews
• Volume: 47
• Article number: 1609172
• Publication date: 2026-04-28
• Acceptance date: 2026-04-10
• DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2026.1609172
• EISSN: 2107-6952
• ISSN: 2107-6952
• Language: English
• Keywords: lifestyle risk factors; physical activity (PA); gulf cooperation council (GCC); body mass index (BMI); non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
• Subtype: Review