PREVALENCE OF OBESITY IN FEMALE SCHOOLCHILDREN, RISK FACTORS, AND RELATION TO LIFESTYLE IN TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA

Overweight and obesity are defined as excessive fat accumulation that causes a risk to one's well- being. Recognition of the avoidable risk factors for obesity in children will prevent their serious consequences during adulthood. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and risk factors of obesity in a population of female school students from 12-18 years in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. This study was a cross-sectional study among 102 female students aged (12-18 years old) from schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire containing demographic, socioeconomic, and full history was used to collect the information. The parents signed the informed consent and the students filled out the questionnaire, and then general examination together with anthropometric measurements was done using Saudi growth charts of the corresponding age and sex. Being overweight and obese were found in 29.4% 8.8% respectively and were significantly associated with a family history of obesity, drinking too much soda/coffee/tea, frequent lunch meals, an absence of satisfaction about body configuration, and the thinking that their family is overweight. Consanguinity, number of meals/days, and regular eating times were not significant. Obesity is prevalent among girls in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. Risk factors include: drinking too much soda/coffee/tea, frequent lunch meal, an absence of satisfaction about body configuration, and the thinking that their family is overweight. Prevention programs involving school children and adolescents and their whole families should be implemented for controlling the current epidemic of obesity.