Table 3 Obesity Prevalence, UAE

Al Blooshi et al., 2016) [18]

44,942 (Males and females) age 3–18 years

2013–2015

International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), World Health Organization 2007 (WHO), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Prevalence estimates for the nationals only

The sample was apparently not representative of the UAE.

This study was conducted in two phases; the first phase was in 2013–2014(n = 15,532) age 4–12 years.

CIs given for prevalence estimates: No

Biases considered: No

The second phase was in 2014–2015 (n = 29,410) n = 27,078 nationals and 2332 non-nationals age 3–18 years .

Prevalence higher in boys than girls and generally higher in older than younger individuals

Musaiger et al., 2012) [19]

605 adolescents aged from 15 to 18 years (n = 262 males, 243 females)

2010–2011

IOTF and CDC

The sample was apparently not representative of the UAE.

Biases considered: No

CIs given for prevalence estimates: No

Prevalence higher in boys than girls

Al Junaibi et al 2013 [20]

1541, aged 6–19 years (n = 1770 males, n = 770 females)

January–December 2011

IOTF and CDC

The sample was representative of Abu Dhabi but not the entire UAE.

CIs given for prevalence estimates: No

Biases considered: No

The authors used IOTF to define obesity prevalence but data using IOTF not shown.

Prevalence higher in older individuals and slightly higher in boys than girls