Lifestyle habits and their relation to measures of obesity amongst adults living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Although the prevalence of obesity and overweight in Saudi Arabia is high, studies of associated factors are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and lifestyles factors and different measures of obesity amongst adults living in Jeddah. A cross sectional design was used employing a multistage geographical cluster random sampling technique to select survey locations. Only families living in KSA for more than or equal to 5 years were included. Participants were interviewed about dietary and socio-demographic information, and their anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist and hip circumference) were taken. Body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were used as measures of general and abdominal obesity, respectively. 331 adults were included in the study; mean age ± SD was 37.12 ± 13.58. General and central obesity were both inversely related to educational level, fast food consumption, number of snacks consumed and the level of physical activity. Central obesity was more prevalent in frequent breakfast consumers and smokers. Males who consumed less snacks and were physically inactive had higher odds of being generally obese, while those with increasing breakfast intake and decreasing fast food consumption were prone to central obesity. Females with a greater number of meals consumption had higher odds of general obesity while those who consumed less snacks and were physically inactive were prone to central obesity. The design of health programs and strategies to reduce the prevalence of obesity tailored to associated factors is a health priority.