The Child Obesity Epidemic in Saudi Arabia: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Purpose: To examine prevalence, nutrition and activity, and overweight and obesity prevention and management in Saudi Arabia.

Design: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis criteria, PubMed, Web of Science, PyschINFO, Global Health, Family Studies Worldwide, Middle Eastern Studies, and Sociological Abstracts was searched from January 1, 2003 to January 31, 2016. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published in Arabic and English that focused on prevalence, overweight or obesity in children 2 to 20 years of age, body mass index percentile, and interventions.

Findings: Three themes were identified: epidemiological features, where the eastern region had the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity, risk factors, which included higher parental education, and lifestyle factors, which included increased consumption of calorie-dense food and a sedentary lifestyle.

Conclusion: Childhood obesity is increasing in Saudi Arabia at an alarming rate.

Implications for practice: Practitioners need to consider the cultural influences of the increasing obesity epidemic in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; childhood obesity; nutrition; physical activity.