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Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE approves tobacco-free nicotine pouches to help smokers quit cigarettes
Tobacco-free nicotine pouches will be legally available for purchase in the UAE starting July 29, when a new law regulating the product comes into effect. A UAE Cabinet resolution outlines the technical standards for this smoking alternative, designed to help people quit cigarettes. Dr Sanam Mallick, Consultant in Family Medicine at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, described the pouches as small, smokeless products that contain nicotine but no tobacco. 'People place them between their gum and lips to absorb nicotine without smoking or chewing tobacco. They're popular as a discreet alternative to cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Nicotine pouches contain nicotine, the same chemical that we find in tobacco,' he told Khaleej Times. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Nicotine is an addictive substance. These pouches release dopamine, the 'feel-good hormone', which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, thereby aiding smoking cessation. 'Nicotine pouches can be a valuable tool for some people trying to quit smoking, but whether they're a good option compared to other smoking cessation methods depends on a few factors,' Dr Mallick explained. One benefit is the absence of smoke inhalation, which significantly lowers the risk of lung damage compared to traditional smoking. However, like all nicotine products, the pouches can be addictive. 'They still contain nicotine, so they don't remove the addiction, just the smoking behaviour. (Additionally), because they're relatively new, the long-term health impacts are still being studied,' he added. On their effectiveness, Dr Mallick noted that while some smokers report success in using pouches to gradually reduce or replace cigarettes, others struggle with the continued oral habit. 'Others may find the oral fixation or habit harder to break, since pouches still involve placing something in the mouth (similar to chewing tobacco).' Traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches, gum, and lozenges are known to increase quit rates by 50 to 70 per cent. 'Nicotine pouches might offer similar benefits, but without long-term studies, their effectiveness compared to these therapies is less certain.' Patches vs pouches Shiraz Khan, Chief Operating Officer at Aster Retail GCC, explained that nicotine from pouches is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. 'In contrast, nicotine patches are transdermal products applied to the skin. They slowly release nicotine into the bloodstream over a period of time, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings,' he said. 'The key difference lies in the method of delivery. Pouches work via oral mucosal absorption, while patches deliver nicotine through the skin.' NRTs such as patches, gum, and lozenges are already available in UAE pharmacies. 'These products are typically available over the counter (OTC) and do not require a prescription. However, some higher-dose patches or combination therapies might be recommended under a healthcare provider's supervision,' Khan said. He added that NRTs are a popular choice among smokers looking to quit. 'Products like nicotine gums and lozenges have seen rapid growth due to their discreet use, lack of smoke, and perceived lower harm compared to traditional tobacco products.' All nicotine products in the UAE must carry health warnings and age restriction labels, with sales prohibited to those under 18. 'Packaging and labelling must comply with UAE-specific guidelines, including Arabic labelling. Only licensed retailers or pharmacies may sell these products,' Khan added. Tobacco's toll Globally, tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death, according to a guide released last year by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap). The global tobacco epidemic claims nearly eight million lives annually, making it one of the most serious public health threats. The National Health Survey of 2018 found that nearly 16 per cent of men and 2.5 per cent of women in the UAE are smokers, the guide said. To support tobacco cessation efforts, authorities said that counselling and psychological support will be offered to individuals attempting to quit all forms of tobacco, including e-cigarettes.
The National
6 days ago
- Health
- The National
Emiratis who use several types of tobacco are putting themselves at higher risk, study suggests
A seven-year nationwide study has found more than half of Emirati smokers use at least two forms of tobacco, raising concerns they are putting their health at greater risk as a result. The research – based on information collected from more than 2,500 adult citizens – revealed 47 per cent of those who smoke used one type of combustible tobacco, 35 per cent used two types and 18 per cent used three or more. Based on self-reported data, the new study found that such 'poly tobacco' users on average had higher levels of fats called triglycerides in their blood, which can contribute to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease. The research also found that any kind of tobacco use was linked to similar indicators of possible cardiovascular disease, including higher levels in the blood of harmful forms of cholesterol. Dr Sukhant Bagdia, a specialist pulmonologist at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, emphasised the dangers posed to health by all forms of tobacco smoking. 'In my practice, I have multiple patients, who use not just cigarettes, but also medwahk, shisha and cigars. 'These are the risk factors for cardiovascular issues, even lung inflammation or bronchitis, or even to a certain extent, they would be also responsible for higher likelihood of cancer in the lungs and other organs. 'Those using multiple forms of smoking would be at a higher risk for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, more comorbidity illness and other general health related issues. 'None of the smoking forms are safe, they all have their own bad side effects.' Previous research in the UAE has found that medwakh users are more than three times as likely as cigarette smokers to be dependent on tobacco, while medwakh and shisha products have been found to contain larger amounts of metals associated with cancer. Charting Emirati health The findings were gathered between 2016 and 2023 as part of the UAE Healthy Future Study, which has recruited around 15,000 people and will follow many of them over time to assess how lifestyle choices, genetics and environment can impact risk factors for obesity, diabetes and heart disease. The survey was launched in 2016 in a partnership between New York University Abu Dhabi and Tamkeen − which collaborates with leading institutions to deliver social, cultural and educational projects − with the support of the Ministry of Health and Prevention and other health bodies. 'Any tobacco use is associated with potential changes in cardiovascular disease markers. That's the take-home message,' said Andrea Leinberger-Jabari, the first author of the study and the assistant director for tobacco research at New York University Abu Dhabi's Public Health Research Centre. Cardiovascular disease is one of numerous health problems linked to smoking, with others including cancer and respiratory conditions such as emphysema. A 2019 study from the US indicated that the risk of death among cigarette smokers who additionally used other types of tobacco was 'as high as and sometimes higher than those of exclusive cigarette smokers'. Gender gap and global picture Data for the study was supplied by 7,535 Emirati adults, of which 2,550 − 34 per cent − were smokers. The seventh edition of The Tobacco Atlas − a global analysis of smoking – in 2022 found 15.5 per cent of men and 2.5 per cent of women used tobacco. These figures represented the entire UAE population, taking into account both Emiratis and residents, with the Healthy Future Study only surveying citizens. World Health Organisation data from 2022 indicated that 22.3 per cent of the world's adult population uses tobacco. Among Emiratis in the study, there is a huge disparity between the sexes when it comes to smoking, with 50 per cent of UAE national men using some form of combustible tobacco, but just seven per cent of women. The work is part of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project, which looks at the impact of tobacco-control policies in more than 30 countries that together are home to more than half the world's population. Published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, the new paper is titled, Factors associated with single, dual and poly combustible tobacco use among Emirati adults in the United Arab Emirates: The UAE Healthy Future and ITC Survey results (2016 – 2023). Ms Leinberger-Jabari said that the UAE Healthy Future Study would provide particularly useful information for researchers about because, being a longitudinal study, it would collect data from the same individuals over many years. 'It's going to be an incredibly helpful study to keep following these individuals over time and look at how tobacco use behaviours might be changing.' Anti-smoking strategy The work will also mean that the UAE can be compared to other countries that are part of the ITC project and could inform global tobacco policy too, Ms Leinberger-Jabari said. Curbing tobacco and e-cigarette use is a top priority for the UAE, with a key public health strategy implementing a smoke-free environment and increased public awareness of the health risks. In 2017 the UAE brought in a 100 per cent tax on tobacco and tobacco products, meaning that 50 per cent of the total retail price is accounted for by tax.
Gulf Today
23-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Learn to improve on lessons learnt during Ramadan
As another Holy Month of Ramadan draws to a close, transition gradually to the regular work and social life, so as not to overwhelm oneself, physical and psychologically. The normalisation would be smooth, according to a number of medical specialists with at least 10 to 30 years of experience. They are Dr. Salem Arifi Beshyah, Dr. Ahmed Al Khatib, Dr. Abdelgader Siddig, and Dr. Fatemeh Aghanasiri. They encourage everyone to seek improvements on lessons learnt throughout the Holy Month like mindfulness – being accepting of the present without being prejudicial – and self-discipline for the peace of mind. General practitioner Aghanasiri, who is also a Lifestyle Medicine specialist at the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital (Dubai), with Family Medicine Department head Dr. Marwa Mohamed at the Burjeel Hospital (Abu Dhabi), and Endocrinology consultant Dr. Mohamed Salih Ahmed of the Al Zahra. Hospital (Dubai) raised the issue on sleep. Get enough rest Aghanasiri said: "Staying up for taraweeh prayers and waking up for suhoor cause lack of sleep for many, so catching a nap or setting a regular bedtime could help reset.' Mohamed was specific: "Adjust your bedtime and wake-up time by 30 to 60 minutes daily until you return to your routine. Aim for at least seven to eight hours quality sleep. Make a conscious effort to get enough rest.' "Avoid caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime,' said Ahmed, who also suggested that as adjustments are essential for the regularisation of meal patterns, continuing consumption of whole grains and vegetables shall prevent constipation; probiotic-rich food such as yoghurt restores gut health. Prioritise was the advice of Siddig, an Internal Medicine specialist at the Medeor Hospital (Abu Dhabi). This is to avoid the misinterpretation of external forces leading to the absorption of any form of negativities. Take it easy. From time-to-time, enjoy the sunshine, the vista and the fresh air. "Reflect on lessons learnt. Like if you have quit smoking, seek more ways to make it permanent. If possible, take a few days to ease back into your workload. To avoid burnout, prioritise the most important commitments.' From the 1996-established Emirates Diabetes & Endocrine Society (EDES), Beshyah said that this non-profit professional organisation, like the other groups concerning the fight against the continuing ramping up of the chronic condition, "recommends personalised meals and fluid plans' to avoid the possible spike and plummet of blood sugar levels which could have occurred during the season. Monitor blood sugar levels The NMC Royal Hospital Mohammed Bin Zayed City (Abu Dhabi) Endocrinology consultant and editor-in chief of the "Journal of Diabetes and Endocrine Practice,' the official publication of the Gulf Association of Endocrinology & Diabetes, added: "It is essential for people with diabetes to monitor blood glucose levels closely and adjust medications accordingly. For those who experience difficulties during the season, visit the diabetes clinic soon after.' Incidentally, according to the EDES website, across the 20-country region from Morocco in the west to Iran in the east and Turkey in the north to Yemen in the south, from the 55 million people with diabetes in 2019, there would be 108 million by 2045 with 76 million affected by 2030. Beshyah moreover stressed that hypothyroidism patients must do the same. Visit doctors for the "adjustment of their treatment plans as they return to the regular eating pattern.' He raised the significance of the slow-but-sure re-introduction to the normal timings of meals: "This helps your digestive system adjust, prevent bloating and indigestion. Avoid overeating. It causes metabolic disturbances.' Family Medicine consultant Al Khatib who applies the holistic approach in managing hypertension, diabetes and hypothyroidism, contributed: "Patients with chronic conditions should ease back into their routine after Ramadan with care and balance. Re-establishing regular meals, maintaining hydration, and adhering to medication schedules is vital to prevent complications.' "Gentle movement, restful sleep, and mindful stress management restore energy and well-being. By harmonising work, family, and self-care, transition would be a daily rhythm with ease,' he also said, adding that strict compliance to a structure, for blood sugar stability, blood pressure regulation, joints health, and fatigue reduction are the tried-and-tested measures.
