UAE health experts warn against fitness obsession and extreme dieting

Health experts in the United Arab Emirates are warning against the rise of fitness obsession driven by social media trends. Medical professionals report an increase in patients pursuing extreme diets and excessive exercise routines in an attempt to achieve a perfect body.

Dr Priyanka Porwal, an internal medicine specialist at Aster Clinic, noted that healthy habits are increasingly turning into unhealthy extremes. Such behaviors can lead to low energy availability, where the body lacks sufficient fuel for both physical activity and essential biological functions.

Ruba El Hourani, Head of the Preventive Health & Nutrition Department at RAK Hospital, warned that chronic energy deficiency can result in weakened immunity, electrolyte disturbances, and abnormal heart rhythms. Other potential complications include nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, hormonal disturbances, stress fractures, and disordered eating.