Nutrition, physical activity, and gender risks for adolescent obesity in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

• Main Authors: Ahmed A Mahfouz, Abdullah S Shatoor, Mohamed Y Khan, Asim A Daffalla, Osama A Mostafa, Mervat A Hassanein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01
• Series: The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology
• Subjects: Adolescents; gender; obesity; prevalence; risk factors; Saudi Arabia
• Online Access: http://www.saudijgastro.com/article.asp?issn=1319-3767;year=2011;volume=17;issue=5;spage=318;epage=322;aulast=Mahfouz

Background/Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate gender differences in obesity and related behavior among adolescent school boys and girls in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study on a stratified sample of 1,249 adolescent boys and 620 adolescent girls, was conducted in southwestern Saudi Arabia. They were interviewed and examined for weight and height using standardized techniques. Results: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in the present study amounted to 23.2% among boys and 29.4% among girls. The following significant risk factors were identified; being a female [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =1.372, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.099-1.753] and lack of class physical exercise (aOR =1.452, 95% CI =1.149-2.117). Conclusion: Obesity among adolescents is a public health problem in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. The problem is more prevalent among girls. Thus, there is a need for a national programme in the country to prevent and control obesity among adolescents.