AUTHOR=Alhebsi Aaesha Salem , Osaili Tareq M. , Papandreou Dimitrios , Zeb Falak , Mohamad Maysm N. , Alkaabi Makhayel Sultan , Stojanovska Lily , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Cheikh Ismail Leila 
  
TITLE=A Narrative Review on Dietary and Lifestyle Contributors to Non-Communicable Diseases in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
  
JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews
  
VOLUME=Volume 47 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609172
  
DOI=10.3389/phrs.2026.1609172
  
ISSN=2107-6952
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are significant public health issue in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This review identified and evaluated dietary and lifestyle risk factors associated with NCDs across GCC countries.MethodsGoogle Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched for studies published between January 2020 and December 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP).ResultsTwenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Obesity prevalence ranged from 38% to 47% across GCC countries and emerged as a significant risk factor, with notable socioeconomic association, especially among women. The most prevalent unhealthy eating practices included excessive consumption of fast, processed, and ultra-processed foods, energy-dense diets, high-carbohydrate intake, and insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption. Educational level and income were strongly associated with dietary behaviors and physical activity. Physical inactivity was also consistently identified as a key contributor to obesity and NCD risk.ConclusionPoor diet and sedentary behavior are major contributors to NCDs in the GCC. Targeted interventions, public education, promotion of active lifestyles, and supportive policy reforms are needed for both adults and children.