title: Trends and future projections of the prevalence of adult obesity in Saudi Arabia, 1992-2022.
abstract: The prevalence of obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia increased from 22% in 1990-1993 to 36% in 2005, and future projections of the prevalence of adult obesity are needed by health policy-makers. In a secondary analysis of published data, a number of assumptions were applied to estimate the trends and projections in the age-and sex-specific prevalence of adult obesity in Saudi Arabia over the period 1992-2022. Five studies conducted between 1989 and 2005 were eligible for inclusion, using body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m(2) to define obesity. The overall prevalence of obesity was projected to increase from around 12% in 1992 to 41% by 2022 in men, and from 21% to 78% in women. Women had much higher projected prevalence than men, particularly in the age groups 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years. Effective national strategies are needed to reduce or halt the projected rise in obesity prevalence.
authors.affiliation: General Directorate of Health Affairs at Al-Ahssa Region, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Al-Quwaidhi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Society, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.affiliation: Population Health Research Centre, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Critchley
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Society, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sobngwi
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Flaherty
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000639:trends; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015995:Prevalence; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D017678:Sex Distribution