Tackling Childhood Obesity in Saudi Arabia: A National Study

Tackling Childhood Obesity in Saudi Arabia: A National Study

Recent reports have shown a rising prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia, making it a growing national concern. However, data on obesity prevalence in Saudi children and adolescents have been inconsistent.

What did we do?

We analyzed and compared the prevalence of obesity among a national sample of children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia, considering different factors, such as sex, school grades (1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th grades), regions, and city types, using the growth chart for Saudi children and adolescents.

What did we find?

• About 1:10 students were overweight, 1:10 were obese, and 1:20 were severely obese.
• Boys were more likely to be overweight or obese than girls.
• Students in 7th grade and those living in the Central region were more likely to be overweight or obese.

What does this mean?

This study clarifies the prevalence of childhood obesity among school-age students in Saudi Arabia (~1:7), which paves the way for interventions to address this issue. To manage childhood obesity, it's crucial to develop a nationwide prevention and management program, which includes utilizing clinical and community-based approaches, developing dynamic BMI surveillance systems, conducting national pediatric obesity research, leading targeted obesity awareness campaigns, providing interventions in a pediatric clinic, and periodically evaluating the outcomes of implemented programs.