Obesity rates in the UAE are among the highest in the world

Over 34% of adults are considered obese in the UAE according to the World Health Organisation…This is a seriously scary figure. 

This was the topic of conversation at a meeting to discuss the Global Crisis of Obesity on Wednesday held by the Economist, where the new policy of adding calories and nutritional values to menus was discussed.

“This will empower people to make a choice”

Dr Manal Taryam, Chief Executive Officer, Public Healthcare Services

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A step in the right direction

While there is a lot of work to be done to achieve a healthier lifestyle and tackle obesity in the Emirate, this is a small step in the right direction. People will be aware of what they’re consuming, and restaurants may be inspired to be more health conscious with each dish.

Some chains already have this information online

Massively popular chain, the Cheesecake Factory has the nutritional content of each dish available online. And the calorie count of some of our favourite dishes is actually incredible…or incredibly scary, we’re not sure which. If you want to continue to enjoy your meals at the Cheesecake Factory, look away now.

Calories in the cheesecakes range from 830 to 1,570

An average cheeseburger meal is 1,300 calories

Nachos with spicy chicken (serves 2-4) is about 1,900 calories