Obesity is the Largest Health Threat This Century Amenable to Action, Doctor Warns

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Dr. Bohaira El Geyoushi emphasized at the Khaleej Times Women’s Power Summit that obesity is the foremost health threat of the 21st century but can be effectively managed through personalized, sustainable interventions. She highlighted that addressing obesity as a chronic disease with modest lifestyle changes can significantly reduce associated health risks and improve quality of life.

Obesity is emerging as the most significant health threat of the 21st century, yet it remains a condition that can be addressed through effective intervention, according to Dr. Bohaira El Geyoushi, a consultant gynaecologist and reproductive medicine specialist. Speaking at the inaugural Khaleej Times Women’s Power Summit held in Dubai on Wednesday, Dr. El Geyoushi highlighted alarming projections and stressed the urgent need for proactive, personalized approaches to managing the condition.

Recent studies suggest that by 2030, nearly one in five women worldwide is expected to be affected by obesity, compared to one in seven men. Dr. El Geyoushi emphasized that obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease requiring lifelong management rather than a temporary or superficial issue. “Obesity is identified as the largest threat to health this century amenable to action,” she stated, pointing out that weight gain is only part of a broader and more complex health challenge.

The doctor outlined numerous health risks associated with obesity, including insulin resistance, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular and bladder problems, dementia, and an increased risk of certain cancers. She called attention to how these complications can affect individuals at all stages of life, underscoring the need for early and tailored medical care.

Dr. El Geyoushi also addressed the social and psychological dimensions of obesity, particularly among women who balance multiple responsibilities at home and in the workplace. She encouraged women to take ownership of their health through respectful, supportive conversations focused on achievable goals. “The conversation has to centre on enhancing women’s everyday life,” she noted, advocating for goal-setting that promotes sustainable lifestyle changes.

Challenging the notion that weight loss requires extreme measures, Dr. El Geyoushi said that a modest reduction of 5 to 10 percent of body weight can significantly improve health outcomes. She suggested physical activities that can be integrated into daily routines, such as walking, pilates, and yoga, especially for those who may find traditional gym workouts intimidating or impractical.

The message delivered at the summit was clear: while obesity presents considerable health risks, it is a manageable condition with the right combination of medical support, lifestyle adjustments, and respectful dialogue. Dr. El Geyoushi’s remarks underscored the importance of addressing obesity with urgency and empathy to improve long-term health prospects.

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