An insight into the prevalence rates of obesity and its related risk factors among the Saudi community in the Hai’l Region

F.F. Alreshidi, F.S. Alreshidi, H.G. Ahmed

Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Hai’l, Hail, Saudi Arabia. hussaingad5@gmail.com

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• Obesity

OBJECTIVE: Obesity/overweight is a major preventable cause of morbidity responsible for various health disorders. Thus, the present investigation aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of obesity and its related risk factors among the Saudi community in the Hai’l Region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 2,438 participants were randomly recruited in the Hai’l region during a cross-sectional survey. Participants were included based on their body mass index (BMI). Only those with BMI >25 weight (kg)/height (m)2 were included.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 61% and 39%. The prevalence rates of males’ overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity were 69%, 19%, and 12%, respectively. The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity and morbid obesity among females were 50%, 28%, and 22%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity are prevalent in Hai’l region, Northern Saudi Arabia. Overweight/obesity is more prevalent among women, rural inhabitants, less educated people, and adults aged 26-40 years. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are significantly obesity-associated risk factors in Saudi Arabia.

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