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OBESITY AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA

Yasser Hussain Al-Jaffer , Mohammed Abdulelah Abdulbaqi , Ahmad Qassem Ghallab , Saleh Mohammed Al Hai , Abbas Hassan Al Lashit , Rabab Abdullah Lajami , Maha Jawad Alsafwani , Zainab Hussain Alreda , Mohammed Jamal Almarzooq , Husain Noor Alnasser

Introduction: Body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used parameter for obesity measurement. The prevalence of obesity among Saudi nationals has expanded drastically over the past decade because of the lifestyle trends and dietary habits and is expected to reach as high as 59% in the year 2022. The prevalence is higher among women owing to culture. Aim of work: In this review, we will discuss the comorbidities associated with obesity Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1985, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: obesity in Saudi Arabia, implications of obesity, cultural causes of obesity in Saudi Arabia, management of obesity Conclusions: Obesity is an outcome of complex interaction between multiple co-variables. Genes, Socioeconomic status, and cultural beliefs, and environmental factors are associated with the development of, and difficulty treating, obesity. The prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia continues to rise with a direct reflection on comorbidities and healthcare costs. Early intervention and effective treatment of obesity are the mainstays to reduce costs and improve outcomes for these patients. Key words: Saudi Arabia, obesity, risk factors, cultural obesity

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