Overweight Rate in Oman Rises from 54% to 67% | One-Third of the Population Suffers from Hypertension

📌 Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Account for 80% of Deaths in Oman | Annual Cost Reaches OMR 1 billion (≈2.6 billion USD)

According to a new report from the Ministry of Health Oman, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 80% of total deaths in the country, imposing an annual economic burden of OMR 1 billion on the healthcare system.

The first phase of the National Survey on Non-Communicable Diseases, conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), revealed a sharp increase in obesity and hypertension rates among the Omani population.

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Key Findings from the National NCDs Survey

🔹 Over 6,500 new diabetes cases reported annually
🔹 More than 2,000 new cancer cases recorded each year
🔹 One-third of the population suffers from high blood pressure
🔹 67% of Oman’s population is overweight or obese

These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for stronger public health interventions.

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Omani Government’s Response to NCDs

Under Oman Vision 2040, the healthcare sector is recognized as a key pillar of sustainable development. The government has implemented early detection programs and prevention strategies to combat NCDs, including:

🔹 Early screening for diabetes, hypertension, and kidney diseases
🔹 Strict tobacco control policies
🔹 National campaigns promoting physical activity and healthy eating

Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman, described NCDs as a serious challenge to Oman’s healthcare system, emphasizing that the WHO STEPS methodology will be used to assess major risk factors, such as:

✔️ Tobacco use
✔️ Physical inactivity
✔️ Unhealthy diet
✔️ High blood pressure and obesity

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Rising Obesity Rates & Sedentary Lifestyles in Oman

According to the 2017 WHO STEPS Survey in Oman, obesity rates increased from 54% in 2008 to 67% in 2017, while 39% of the population reported insufficient physical activity.

Obesity Rate Trends in Oman

📅 Year	⚖️ Obesity Rate	🏃 Inactive Population
2008	54%	32%
2017	67%	39%

This growing trend underlines the urgent need for lifestyle modifications and nationwide health initiatives.

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Phases of the National NCDs Survey in Oman

• 🔹 Phase 1 (Started: December 29, 2024): Updating household lists for random sampling
• 🔹 Phase 2 (April 2025 – Duration: 3 months):
  • ✅ Health questionnaires
  • ✅ Clinical measurements, including height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol tests

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Strengthening Oman’s Public Health System

The National NCDs Survey plays a crucial role in collecting accurate health data to support evidence-based policymaking.

With this data, Omani policymakers and health experts can develop effective public health strategies to combat NCDs.

✅ By implementing long-term health initiatives, Oman aims to reduce healthcare costs and enhance the overall well-being of its citizens.