Childhood overweight in the UAE: what the official data show
Updated 25 October 2026
Note: There is a business connection between the operator of this site and LUVA: a person behind vergleichcheck.com has been the registered manager of LUVA Nutrition Concepts Trading L.L.C S.O.C since 22 October 2026 (not a shareholder). Links to luvanutrition.ae lead to LUVA's own shop.
The official figures
MoHAP's National Health and Nutrition Survey, analysed using WHO growth standards (Z-scores, covering overweight and obesity), reports (MoHAP):
| Group | Figure |
|---|---|
| Children aged 6 to 17 living with obesity | 16.1% |
| Children aged 0 to 5 living with obesity | 2.2% |
| Children aged 6 to 17 with vitamin D deficiency | 69.1% |
| Children 6 months to 5 years meeting minimum dietary diversity | 77.9% |
| Adults (18 to 69) drinking sugar-sweetened beverages daily | 27.4% |
The step from 2.2% in young children to 16.1% in school-age children is the figure many parents notice. The survey does not attribute it to a single cause, and neither do we.
What the WHO says about sugar
The WHO guideline on sugars applies to adults and children: free sugars below 10% of total energy intake, with a further reduction below 5% suggested (WHO). Free sugars include sugar added to drinks, plus sugar in honey, syrups and fruit juices.
The WHO also advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control (WHO, 2023). Sugar-free products are therefore not a treatment or prevention tool for overweight.
What UAE authorities do
The UAE government describes healthy nutrition in schools as a core part of national efforts for children's growth and wellbeing, with policies, awareness and monitoring (u.ae).
Where to get advice
Children's growth is assessed against age- and sex-specific charts, not adult BMI. If you are worried about your child's weight, eating or drinking habits, speak to a paediatrician, your family doctor or the school nurse. This page is general information only.
About our business connection
This site has a business connection to LUVA, which sells sugar-free drink syrups (ZERUP). We do not present any product as a solution for childhood overweight, and nothing on this page is a health claim.
Frequently asked questions
How many children in the UAE are living with obesity?
MoHAP's National Health and Nutrition Survey reports 16.1% of children aged 6 to 17 and 2.2% of children aged 0 to 5.
How was childhood obesity measured in the survey?
MoHAP states that measurements were analysed using WHO growth standards and the Z-score growth index, which includes indicators for overweight and obesity.
How much sugar does the WHO recommend for children?
The same as for adults: free sugars below 10% of total energy intake, ideally below 5%.
Are sugar-free drinks a solution for overweight children?
We make no such claim. The WHO advises against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. Ask a paediatrician for advice on your child.
Who should I ask about my child's weight?
A paediatrician or family doctor, who can assess growth using child growth charts.
Related guides: Why sugar-free drinks are growing · Sugar in drinks: sugar saved per year · How to use sugar-free syrup
Research date: 25 October 2026. ZERUP product details and prices are quoted from luvanutrition.ae as published in October 2026. Figures from More Nutrition are company statements, not market data. No tests, ratings or reviews are invented on this page. This is general information, not medical or nutrition advice; for questions about your own or your child's health, talk to a doctor.