Determinants of Obesity in the Adults of Jizan City,Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Obesity is one of the most chronic problems which are associated with many serious health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases. Objective: To assess the determinants of obesity in the adults of Jizan city, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with a random sample of 56 adult obese male with BMI higher than 25 and age between 20 to 60 years old. Each subject sociodemographic information, physical activity, dietary habits, 24 hours dietary recall and family history of obesity was evaluated. The height and weight of the participants were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated, waist and hip circumference measured and waist to hip ratio was calculated. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was administered and data managed on an Excel spreadsheet and chi square test was used to find the association. Variables showing P<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: Among the participants, 75% were under grade II obesity (30-39.9 BMI) and 18% were under grade III obesity (BMI above 40). Waist to Hip ratio larger than 0.9 were 53% and 47% of subjects were equal or lower than 0.9. The major risk factors include genetic structure, daily energy intake, eating outside home, eating while watching TV, increased frequency of snacking outside, lack of outdoor sports, long periods of watching TV/using computer, no daily exercise. Obesity was less prevalence with high education status 30% compared with moderate education status 63%. Conclusion: Urgent need for health education, health promotion, and treating the affected individuals are mandatory to reduce the magnitude and consequences of health problem.