Mapping Obesity Trends in Saudi Arabia: A Four-Year Description Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Surveillance

Background:

• Obesity is a growing global health concern with significant associated comorbidities.
• Understanding obesity trends and contributing factors in Saudi Arabia is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map obesity prevalence trends in Saudi Arabia from 2020 to 2023.
• To identify health, behavioral, and psychological factors associated with obesity in the Saudi population.

Main Methods:

• Secondary data analysis of the Sharik Health Indicators Surveillance System (SHISS) from 2020-2023.
• Cross-sectional telephone interviews with Saudi resident adults across all administrative regions.
• Analysis of data from 92,137 participants with balanced regional and gender distribution.

Main Results:

• Obesity prevalence showed minor fluctuations (22.2% in 2020 to 21.4% in 2023).
• Individuals with obesity reported lower physical activity, higher fruit/vegetable intake, and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic diseases.
• A slight decline in daily smoking rates was observed across all categories.

Conclusions:

• Obesity in Saudi Arabia presents complex challenges influenced by behavioral and socio-economic factors.
• Ongoing health promotion and disease prevention are vital for addressing persistent obesity-related issues.
• Continued surveillance and longitudinal studies are essential for effective health initiative planning.