title: Obesity in Saudi children: a dangerous reality.
abstract: Obesity among children is an increasing concern. This cross-sectional study in 2006 determined the prevalence and demographic characteristics of overweight and obesity in children in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A total of 7056 children (aged 2-18 years) were selected from schools and the outpatient department of a hospital. The overall prevalence of overweight was 19.0% and of obesity was 23.3%. More than 50% of children between 14 and 18 years had weight above the 85th percentile. More males than females were obese by ages 14-18 years (35.6% versus 19.2%). Saudi and non-Saudi nationalities had the same distribution of body mass index. Interventions to encourage healthier lifestyles for children are needed at the national level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Poediatrics, Saad Specialist Hospital, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Al-Dossary
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Sarkis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ezz El Regal
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Fouda
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data