Author/Authors :
Al-Quwaidhi, A.J. Ministry of Health - Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia , Pearce, M.S. University of Newcastle - Institute of Health and Society, UK , Critchley, J.A. St George’s University of London - Population Health Research Centre, UK , Sobngwi, E. University of Newcastle - Institute of Health and Society, UK , O’Flaherty, M. University of Liverpool - Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, UK
Abstract :
The prevalence of obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia increased from 22% in 1990–1993 to 36% in 2005, and future projections of the prevalence of adult obesity are needed by health policy-makers. In a secondary analysis of published data, a number of assumptions were applied to estimate the trends and projections in the age-and sex-specific prevalence of adult obesity in Saudi Arabia over the period 1992–2022. Five studies conducted between 1989 and 2005 were eligible for inclusion, using body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² to define obesity. The overall prevalence of obesity was projected to increase from around 12% in 1992 to 41% by 2022 in men, and from 21% to 78% in women. Women had much higher projected prevalence than men, particularly in the age groups 35–44, 45–54 and 55–64 years. Effective national strategies are needed to reduce or halt the projected rise in obesity prevalence.
