The Impact of Unhealthy Lifestyle on the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in the State of Qatar: A Systematic Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of illness and death worldwide, and in Qatar, their burden is rising due to rapid urbanization, shifts toward Westernized diets, sedentary lifestyles, and cultural influences. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, this study examined the NCD burden in Qatar, including the burden of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, neurological conditions, and mental health disorders attributable to dietary risks, low physical activity, smoking, and high body-mass index (BMI). In 2021, lifestyle-related risk factors were responsible for 64.8% of NCD deaths and 33.2% of DALYs in Qatar. High BMI emerged as the top contributor, accounting for 24.5% of deaths and 13.9% of DALYs, followed by poor diet and smoking. The burden of high BMI-related NCDs increased over the past 30 years, with a 71.4% increase in deaths and a 54.3% rise in DALYs, while the impact of smoking declined. Compared to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Qatar had a higher NCD burden, particularly for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes linked to obesity. These findings highlight the need for coordinated public health action, aligned with Qatar’s National Health Strategy and the Doha Declaration on Lifestyle Medicine.