Poor lifestyle choices will take their toll on economy

▶ Physical and mental illness, coupled with rising prices and population, will prove costly

The sheer number of surveys, studies and statistics on health and health care that are now available to us reveal a deepening crisis when it comes to obesity and mental illness. Their repercussions for society, where the cost for individuals, companies and governments seems to be growing exponentially, will be profound.

We are now only a couple of weeks away from the introduction of excise tax on fizzy, sugary drinks and tobacco, which is being introduced, in part, to help wean us off our worst habits. New data about the nation’s health revealed that heart disease topped the list of killers, while diabetes claims more and more victims by the day. As The National reported, the rise in lifestyle conditions will see health care spending in the country double by 2040, although it is also worth mentioning that some of those spending increases are related to the provision of better services and an overall increase in population.

According to the latest Global Burden of Disease study, healthcare expenditure in the UAE could reach up to $47.5 billion as obesity levels rise. While GCC countries rank in the top 15 for obesity, new strategies will be necessary to deliver better care. As a greater need for research and development arises, companies will need to put more efforts into their social responsibility initiatives and schools will have to push for greater awareness and physical activity.

Several schools in the UAE have already introduced boot camps and recruited specialists to ensure their students maintain good fitness levels. The UAE has also ensured a better healthcare system is developed based on leading international practices. A healthy population is a productive population, and as these pages have often advocated, changing mindsets begins with changing habits and breaking taboos.