Obesity has emerged as a pressing global health challenge, with recent figures showing that 1 in 8 people worldwide are now living with the condition. Current trends indicate that nearly a quarter of the global population will be overweight or obese by 2035, according to projections from the World Obesity Federation. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is at the forefront of this epidemic, facing some of the highest prevalence rates globally.

This escalating health problem and its vast economic impact create a compelling and urgent need to develop infrastructure/facilities to address the challenge and intern leading to investment opportunities. As regional governments intensify their focus on public health and economic diversification, the private sector has a critical opportunity to develop the specialised services and clinical infrastructure required to manage obesity effectively.

The GCC's rapid economic transformation, urbanisation and population growth are primary drivers of the region's high obesity rates. The population is expected to grow from 61.3 million in 2025 to over 70.6 million by 2035, fueling lifestyle shifts that contribute to the condition. Key contributing factors include:
 

• Lifestyle changes: Rising per-capita incomes have led to the widespread adoption of diets high in processed foods and sugar, alongside more sedentary lifestyles.

• Environmental factors: Extremely high temperatures across the Middle East limit outdoor physical activity for much of the year, a factor reflected in surveys where a majority of adults in the GCC report insufficient physical activity.

• Demographics: High life expectancy and a genetic predisposition in parts of the population further compound the challenge.

The consequences of inaction are not only health-related but also economic. The World Obesity Atlas 2023 predicts the global economic impact of overweight and obesity will reach $4.32 trillion annually by 2035, comparable to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Within the GCC, the projected costs are staggering. The UAE's economic cost is forecast to reach US$179 billion by 2060, equivalent to over 11% of its GDP. In Saudi Arabia, the cost is estimated to be US$150 billion by 2060.

Addressing obesity requires a comprehensive approach spanning lifestyle modifications, medical treatments and surgical interventions. This creates diverse opportunities for specialised service providers. Key treatment avenues include:
 

• Lifestyle and behavioural therapy: Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavioural coaching form the foundation of weight management.

• Pharmacotherapy: Medications that suppress appetite or reduce fat absorption, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are gaining popularity as part of a holistic treatment plan. The pipeline remains strong, with 16 new weight loss drugs in clinical trials as of October 2024.

• Bariatric surgery: Procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are proven options for individuals with severe obesity.

• Technology-enabled care: Digital tools are transforming obesity management. Mobile apps, wearable devices and telehealth platforms enhance patient engagement, while AI and robotics are improving the precision and outcomes of surgical procedures.

GCC governments are actively implementing detailed national strategies to curb obesity. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes goals to increase physical activity, complemented by its Ministry of Health (MOH) Obesity Control Program and a best-practice trans-fat (TFA) policy. The UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 promotes healthy lifestyles, backed by specific clinical frameworks like the Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) Ejada program and the 2025 Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) National Clinical Guideline for Weight Management. School health programs are also becoming a cornerstone of obesity prevention across the GCC, with governments introducing nutrition standards, mandatory physical education, and awareness campaigns targeting children and parents to instill healthy habits early. These initiatives complement broader national wellness strategies and foster a more informed and health-conscious generation. This proactive, region-wide approach is further reinforced by targeted regulations, including excise taxes on sugary beverages, trans-fat and calorie-labelling requirements, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods to children.

The private sector is emerging as a crucial partner in this effort. Private hospitals are launching multidisciplinary weight-management centres, and public-private partnership (PPP) models are shifting more care into private hands, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This combined effect allows for the efficient introduction of global expertise and advanced technologies, creating an ecosystem primed for developing standalone centres of excellence and integrated clinical infrastructure.

The scale of the obesity challenge in the GCC necessitates a coordinated and forward-looking response. This is not merely a public health issue but a significant and largely untapped market opportunity for investors, developers, and technology firms. The convergence of high patient demand, substantial economic costs and proactive government support has created a clear mandate for investment in a new generation of health-centric infrastructure.

The key opportunity now lies in deploying new obesity-focused infrastructure at scale.  This includes pioneering "Active Design" principles from giga-projects to enhance walkability in urban planning to combat sedentary lifestyles.  It also involves developing investable "Community Wellness Hubs" (CCHs) as a new public-private partnership (PPP) ready asset class that provide accessible obesity prevention and treatment services. Expanding healthcare real estate—such as specialised metabolic clinics, smart wellness campuses integrating AI-driven diagnostics, fitness-integrated mixed-use developments, and residential communities designed around pedestrian networks and green spaces—will be instrumental in driving behavioural change. Innovative models like wellness-oriented retail clusters, workplace health centres, and tech-enabled recovery facilities further illustrate how urban environments can be reshaped to support healthier living. Prioritizing obesity prevention and management not only improves quality of life but also contributes to greater longevity and healthier ageing populations across the region. By addressing the infrastructure gaps that currently limit obesity management, these investments can deliver both health outcomes and commercial returns.

Successfully capturing this wellness market requires a clear strategy grounded in understanding real estate, capital and public policy. At JLL, we have the expertise needed for successful market entry, offering services that include strategic consulting, PPP advisory for Community Health, data-driven feasibility studies, and capital markets expertise to fund these new assets. By leveraging our deep industry knowledge, we help healthcare organizations, developers and public-sector partners maximize their investment potential. Learn more at JLL MENA.