Prevalence and risk factors of obesity and overweight in adult Saudi population

Mohammed A. Alsaif, Iman A. Hakim, Robin B. Harris, Mansour Alduwaihy, Khalid Al-Rubeaan, Abdul Rahman Al-Nuaim, Omar S. Al-Attas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with obesity and overweight among adult Saudis using a national survey data from 1990 to 1993. The study population included 1652 men and 1619 women between 30 to 70 years of age. The prevalence of obesity was 49.15% in women and 29.94% in men, while the prevalence of being overweight but not obese was 31.55% in women and 41.91% in men. Obese and overweight women and men were significantly more likely to be between 40-49 years of age, with higher income, and hypertensive. Although physical activity was low in all women, obese women were significantly less likely to be engaged in any physical activity. Obese and overweight men were more likely to be non-smokers. Intervention strategies that target this population at risk are needed in Saudi Arabia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1243-1252
Number of pages10
JournalNutrition Research
Volume22
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2002

Keywords

  • Obesity
  • Overweight
  • Prevalence
  • Risk factors
  • Saudi Arabia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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