Epidemiology of obesity and control interventions in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Prevalence estimates for overweight and obesity in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Saudi Arabia, have increased over the last 4 decades. Although the World Health Organization encourages countries to implement initiatives aimed at controlling obesity, limited research has been published on the impact of such initiatives in Saudi Arabia. To assess the epidemiology of overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia, describe and evaluate the effectiveness of past and current interventions, and recommend actions for prevention and control. A narrative review of data from the Global Health Observatory was used to determine yearly estimates of prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia from 1975 to 2016. Large-scale interventions aimed at controlling obesity and its risk factors in Saudi Arabia were identified and summarized. Prevalence estimates of overweight and obesity among men and women in Saudi Arabia continued to increase from 1990 to 2019. Prevalence among adults was more than 60% and among children and adolescents it was 20-60%, suggesting a continuing trend. Interventions were identified but their impact on the prevention and control of obesity and its risk factors was unclear. Prevalence estimates of overweight and obesity have been steadily increasing in Saudi Arabia since 1975. Integrated, "whole-of-community" approach, with continuous evaluation, is needed to achieve sustainable prevention and control of obesity in the country.