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Obesity in Saudi Arabia.
Mansour M Al-Nozha1, Yaqoub Y Al-Mazrou, Mohammed A Al-Maatouq
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. malnozha@hotmail.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|June 14, 2005
Summary
Obesity and overweight are significant public health concerns in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), with prevalence rates of 35.5% for obesity and 36.9% for overweight. These findings highlight the urgent need for national obesity prevention programs to promote a healthier population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Background:
- Obesity and overweight are established risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight is anticipated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), particularly among females.
- This study is part of the Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study (CADISS) national project.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among Saudi adults aged 30-70 years.
- To assess prevalence in both rural and urban communities across KSA.
- To identify gender-specific prevalence rates for overweight and obesity.
Main Methods:
- A community-based national epidemiological health survey conducted between 1995 and 2000.
- Inclusion of 17,232 Saudi subjects aged 30-70 years from selected households.
- Classification of overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) based on Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of overweight was 36.9% (males: 42.4%, females: 31.8%).
- The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was 35.5% (overall: 35.6%), with severe obesity at 3.2%.
- Obesity prevalence was significantly higher in females (44%) compared to males (26.4%).
Conclusions:
- Obesity and overweight are increasing public health issues in KSA, with a 35.5% obesity prevalence.
- Reducing overweight and obesity is crucial for public health.
- A national community-level obesity prevention program is recommended to foster a healthier population.