Awareness of Obesity and Weight Loss Management Among Adults in the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Obesity, a chronic disease marked by excessive fat accumulation and a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more, has become a major global health issue, affecting many adults worldwide and particularly prevalent in developed nations and Saudi Arabia. The condition can be caused by genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding its awareness is imperative in designing effective health interventions. A cross-sectional study was done to assess awareness of obesity and weight loss management among adults in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 638 participants were included in this study, a self-administered electronic questionnaire was distributed to 638 respondents, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Our study revealed low practical adherence with 83.5% (533 participants) not following any specific diet and only 29.8% (190 participants) engaging in regular physical activity. Sleep and hydration patterns varied, with 51.9% (331 participants) of participants sleeping fewer than seven hours and 61.9% (395 participants) not meeting recommended water intake. While 66.1% (422 participants) acknowledged that medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome can contribute to obesity, a significant proportion lacked knowledge about the impact of medications and stress. Dietary habits showed that 24.5% (156 participants) practiced intermittent fasting, yet only 1.7% (11 participants) had undergone weight loss surgery. Gender, age, body weight, BMI, and self-perception of weight were significantly associated with knowledge levels, with females, younger participants, and those with normal BMI exhibiting higher awareness. There was reasonable awareness of obesity and weight loss management. However, practical adherence to healthy behaviors, such as regular physical activity and dietary management, remains low. Most participants recognize lifestyle-related factors contributing to obesity and favor non-surgical, non-medication-based weight management. Healthcare professionals should organize seminars and educational programs to enhance public understanding of obesity and weight management in Saudi Arabia.