Obesity in Saudi children: a dangerous reality

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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 levelCitation
Al Dossary, S.S., Sarkis, P.E., Hassan, A., Ezz El Regal, M. & Fouda, A.E. (2010). Obesity in Saudi children: a dangerous reality. EMHJ - Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 16 (9), 1003-1008, 2010 https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/117995