The prevalence of overweight and obesity and its correlation with chronic diseases in Al-Kharj adult outpatients, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among males and females in a suburban area of Saudi Arabia and correlate Body Mass Index with observed chronic diseases. Design: A period prevalence study of all adult outpatients meeting the inclusion criteria between July 1993 and January 1994. Setting: The Outpatient Department of Al-Kharj Military Industry Corporation Hospital, a suburban area of Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Collection of demographic data, anthropometric measurements and chronic disease diagnoses of all adult male and female patients attending the clinic over an 18 month period. Body Mass Index (BMI) was derived from weight (kg)/height (meter).(2) Overweight and obesity were defined as 25 kg/m2 < BMI < 30 kg/m2 and BMI > 30 kg/m2 respectively. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the study sample of 1485 patients (685 males and 800 females) was found to be 31.5% and 40.5% for females acid 40.2% and 21.0% for males respectively, These values were, however, lower when BMI greater than 85th and 95th percentile of the American population 20-29 year age group, was used to define overweight and obesity respectively. There was a significant sex differential and patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and gallstones have a significantly higher proportion of obesity. Conclusion: A high prevalence of obesity is observed particularly in females. Outpatient departments and primary health care centers should include nutritionists in their team to educate subjects on good nutritional habits and weight control.