Examining the prevalence of obesity in school children through an on-site obesity outpatient clinics survey based on student's lifestyles.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of obesity, overweight, and risk factors in pediatric patients attending outpatient clinics at a public sector hospital in the central province of Saudi Arabia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, between January 2022 and October 2022. The target population was aged 6-15 years. We conducted on-site obesity assessments utilizing questionnaire-based interviews with patients attending outpatient clinics. Data collection was carried out with the help of parents, where required. Using BMI growth charts for Saudi children and teenagers, the weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) of subjects were computed.

RESULTS

A total of 576 responses with a response rate of 64% were received and included in the study. In the current study, the majority (41.1%) of the patients were aged between 11 and 12 years old, followed by 37.0% of the students aged between 13 and 15 years old, and 21.9% of students aged between 8 and 10 years old. In the current study, 54.2% of the patients had normal weight, 15.6% of patients were underweight, 16.7% of patients were overweight, and 13.5% were obese. In this study, the prevalence of overall obesity was 2.3 times more prevalent in children aged 11 to 12 years (OR=2.30; p=0.03), followed by ~2 times higher levels in children aged 13 to 15 years (OR=2.30; p=0.03). Moreover, 2.11 times higher prevalence of obesity (OR=2.11; p=0.77) in those who regularly took food (especially lunch) from the school cafeteria. A significant ~2.5 high obesity level was recorded for students who consumed fizzy/soft drinks four or more times per week (OR=2.38; p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Saudi Arabia still has a high rate of overweight and obesity among children of school-going age, which is a significant public health issue. To properly address and control this issue, policies at the national, local, and individual levels must be implemented. Notably, there was also a high prevalence of being underweight, and this issue needs to be brought up as well.