Abstract
This study explores differences in weight status, obesity and patterns of physical activity (PA) in relation to gender and age of youth from two culturally, environmentally and geographically diverse countries, the United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia (SA). A total of 2,290 males and females (15–17 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants completed a validated self-report questionnaire that contained 47 items relating to patterns of PA, sedentary activity and eating habits. The questionnaire allows the calculation of total energy expenditure in metabolic equivalent (MET-min) values per week. Significant differences in percentage of overweight/obese and levels of PA were evident between the youth from the two countries, with males being generally more physically active than females. Additionally, there were significant associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), PA and sedentary behaviors; the youth with higher BMI reported lower levels of PA and higher amounts of sedentary time. These findings highlight the diverse nature of lifestyle of youth living in different geographical areas of the world and the need for further research to explore the socio-cultural factors that impact on the prevalence of obesity and patterns of PA of youth in different populations.
Highlights
Recent large-scale epidemiological studies utilizing valid measures of physical activity (PA) have demonstrated stronger associations between PA and health benefits than have been observed previously and helped to clarify dose–response relationships between activity and specific health outcomes [1,2,3]
The findings of the current study have demonstrated that youth in Al-Ahsa city are significantly less active and have a higher percentage of obesity and sedentary time than those living in Birmingham and Coventry
The lifestyle and nutritional habits of young people in both developed and developing counties have undergone a major transformation over the past few decades
Summary
Recent large-scale epidemiological studies utilizing valid measures of PA have demonstrated stronger associations between PA and health benefits than have been observed previously and helped to clarify dose–response relationships between activity and specific health outcomes [1,2,3]. The strength of the relationship between PA and health outcomes persists throughout people’s lives, highlighting the potential health gains that could be achieved if people continue to be active. PA provides important health benefits for young people. This conclusion is based upon evidence from observational studies in which higher levels of activity were associated with more favorable health outcomes and experimental studies in which exercise treatments resulted in improvements in health-related measures [6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
