The Emirates Heart Health Project: A Family-based Diet and Exercise Intervention in Obese and Overweight Patients

Data from Abu Dhabi's Department of Health document that the leading cause of death among the population of the emirate of Abu Dhabi is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Even with significant investment of time and resources, this has not improved over time. CVD was the cause of death in over 39% of deaths occurring in patients above 45 years of age. In those older than 60 years of age, CVD causes more deaths than cancer, respiratory diseases, and infectious disease combined. Eating an unhealthy diet is the leading risk factor for CVD-related deaths and one study estimated that the current diet accounted for 72% of CVD-related deaths in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interestingly, the limited intake of whole grains was associated with 22% of CVD-related deaths in the UAE. Other risk factors include consumption of processed meat, red meat, and sugar sweetened beverages. Despite recognition of what constitutes healthy diet and exercise practices by survey participants, barriers exist to lifestyle change. In one UAE study of patients with type 2 diabetes, only 3% of the 390 individuals surveyed met numerous guidelines' weekly recommendations for 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 90 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity. The most common reasons given in that study for not exercising included cultural reasons (29.2%), "exercise is boring" (20.3%), and lack of family support (4.1%). Widespread availability and access to outpatient dieticians has not lowered rates of obesity, overweight, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. To the investigators' knowledge, this would be the first study investigating the effect of a package of family based lifestyle interventions guided by a health coach. This package of interventions would be supported by technology such as a smartphone application to record dietary intake and the use of wearable fitness trackers to track physical activity. The nationals of the UAE (called Emiratis),have retained traditional cultura