Top 5 Common Men’s Health Issues in the UAE
The five most common men’s health issues in the UAE are colorectal cancer, dementia, diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease.
Despite the UAE’s growing economy, the health among the local population has been deteriorating due to long working hours, high stress levels at work, and unhealthy and inactive lifestyles.
Worse still, men are known to ignore symptoms and avoid doctor visits, which can result in treatment delays. Pacific Prime Dubai will address the leading health issues that men in the Emirates should be aware of.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Emirati men. More than 13% of all male cancer cases in the UAE have been diagnosed as colorectal.
Colorectal cancer is highly linked to unhealthy, inactive lifestyles, which have become more common due to the growing expat population and the influence of Western culture. Contributing factors include high-fat, low-fiber diets, smoking, and reduced physical activity. Other risk factors include:
Family history
Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (benign growths in the colon lining) may need to start colonoscopy screenings earlier than the age of 40.
People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Those living with IBD may develop chronic inflammation of the large intestine and are thus more likely to suffer from colorectal cancer.
Physical Inactivity and Obesity
People who lack exercise and are overweight may have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Dietary Factors
Consuming more red and processed meat is correlated to a higher risk of the disease.
How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer can be prevented and treated if it is detected early by a colonoscopy screening.
A colonoscopy is done by inserting a thin tube with a camera and light into the anus and rectum to examine the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum.
While this form of cancer can exhibit no symptoms at all, if you’ve noticed a change in bowel habits, blood in your stool, abdominal pain or bloating, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or vomiting, you should consult a physician as soon as possible.
Dementia
Dementia and its related disorders, like Alzheimer’s, are becoming more and more common among Emirati men as the aging population rises. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that begins with memory loss and gradually impairs the ability to communicate and respond to the environment.
A 2022 study in The Lancet Public Health warns that, without intervention, dementia cases in the Middle East could surge by 2050—rising by 1926% in Qatar and 1795% in the UAE.
This is because the Middle East is rapidly becoming a top destination for expats and retirees, driving a population boom that includes a growing aging population. This shift inevitably increases the number of people at risk for dementia.
In the UAE alone, around 4,300 residents currently have Alzheimer’s. While the figure may seem low due to the country’s relatively young population, the prevalence is expected to rise significantly as this population ages, especially among those aged 75 and older.
How to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Evidence shows that lifestyle choices heavily affect the risk of developing dementia. Here are some healthy habits you can follow today to prevent the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of dementia. It is beneficial not only for your heart, circulation, and weight but also for your mental health.
Drink Less Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption leads to a higher risk of developing dementia. If you cannot avoid drinking alcohol, try to do so in moderation and within recommended limits. Limit your alcohol consumption to 14 units per week, which is equivalent to one pint of beer or a small glass of wine per day.
Quit Smoking
Smoking significantly damages the heart, lungs, and blood vessels in the brain, which directly links to the risk of dementia. It is always possible to stop smoking. The sooner you stop, the more brain damage you can avoid.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Depression and social isolation can greatly increase the risk of developing dementia. Participating in social activities and seeking professional mental health counseling can help your brain release stress and elevate your mood.
Protect Your Eyesight and Hearing
Hearing and vision loss can be early signs of developing dementia. Early intervention with hearing aids and vision correction is the most effective way to manage the risk of dementia due to those factors.
Protect Your Head
Traumatic brain injuries, often from a blow to the head causing unconsciousness, can trigger the risk of Alzheimer’s in the brain. To reduce risk, wear protective headgear during high-risk activities like biking, construction work, horse riding, or cricket.
Diabetes
Almost one million adults in the UAE are living with diabetes, accounting for 12.3% of its population. Diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar levels become very high because the pancreas fails to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetes happens when there is absolute insulin deficiency, while type 2 diabetes is when the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas is insufficient. According to recent studies, diabetes affects up to 25.1% of UAE nationals in the Northern Emirates and 19.1% of expatriates.
Symptoms include increased urination, sudden weight loss, and blurry vision. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as other more serious conditions.
Even more concerning, men with type 2 diabetes often experience erectile dysfunction, which can further discourage them from seeking medical help.
How to Prevent Diabetes
To prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, you should focus on a healthy lifestyle:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Stay physically active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet and avoid sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods
- Quit smoking
- Get regular health checkups
Liver Disease
Liver disease is a growing concern among Emirati men. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in which the liver becomes inflamed, leading to fibrosis, or scarring, and can result in cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.
With the UAE’s rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, this disease is becoming common among young people. A study estimated that by 2030 there would be around 372,000 cases of NAFLD in the UAE, up to a 40% increase over the last decade.
How to Prevent Liver Disease
Like type 2 diabetes and obesity, NAFLD is closely tied to diet and lifestyle. It can often be prevented through healthy habits, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. Here are 10 foods to support a healthy liver:
- Coffee: a daily cup of coffee can help reduce the number of abnormal liver enzymes in those at risk for liver disease.
- Greens: nitrate and polyphenols found in raw spinach and other leafy greens can help reduce fat building in the liver.
- Beans and soy: legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and peas contain resistant starches that can help improve gut health.
- Fish: fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce liver fat, boost protective HDL cholesterol, and lower triglyceride levels.
- Whole grains: high-fiber foods like oatmeal can be effective in reducing triglyceride levels.
- Nuts: nuts can help reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, decrease oxidative stress, and lower the risk of NAFLD.
- Turmeric: high doses of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may help lower markers of liver damage in individuals with NAFLD.
- Sunflower seeds: sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant commonly used to treat NAFLD.
- Unsaturated fat: replacing saturated fats—such as butter, fatty cuts of meat, sausages, and processed meats—with sources of unsaturated fats like avocados, olive oil, nut butter, and fatty fish can prevent NAFLD.
- Garlic: A study shows that frequent consumption of raw garlic correlates with a lower risk of NAFLD.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death due to non-communicable diseases in the UAE, accounting for 34% of all deaths in the country. The overwhelming majority of these deaths (more than 75%) were among men.
Several risk factors affect the chances of developing heart disease, including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, stress, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet. Other uncontrollable factors, such as age and family history, can be managed with regular health checkups.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
- Avoid smoking and vaping
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Eat heart-healthy foods, such as
- Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon, almonds, and walnuts.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Healthy oils like olive oil
- Whole grains
- Avoid processed foods and fast foods, as they are high in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium
- Exercise regularly
Contact Pacific Prime Dubai Today
Many of these common diseases among men are preventable through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and annual health checkups. To protect yourself against high medical costs, consider investing in a health insurance plan.
With over 25 years of experience, Pacific Prime Dubai is an independent insurance advisory that has developed solid relationships with major insurers. Our team of experts can help you locate the plan that best matches your needs and budget.
Contact us today for impartial advice, a no-obligation quote, and a free plan comparison!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are men more prone to colorectal cancer?
Men are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to women because they often have higher rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, smoking, and alcohol consumption, which are all linked to increased colon cancer risk.
At what age do people start developing dementia?
Dementia will start to affect roughly 2 out of every 100 people aged between 65 and 69, and the risk doubles every five years thereafter. While aging is the biggest risk factor for dementia, it’s important to understand that dementia is a medical condition, not a natural outcome of getting older.
What are the early signs of heart disease in men?
Early signs of heart disease in men may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, and heart palpitations. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.
In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
- Top 5 Common Men’s Health Issues in the UAE - 18th April 2025
- The Complete Guide to Dubai’s Public and Private Healthcare Sectors - 14th March 2025
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