Public Health Report: Obesity in Saudi Arabia, Causes and Solutions

This report examines the public health issue of obesity in Saudi Arabia. It identifies key causes, including sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and lack of physical activity. The report highlights the prevalence of obesity, particularly among women, and the significant financial burden it places on the healthcare system. It details initiatives such as awareness programs, health check-ups, and the promotion of healthy diets. The report also provides practical advice for citizens, such as eating healthy foods, avoiding sugary drinks, and engaging in regular exercise. This report offers a comprehensive overview of the problem and potential solutions.

Public Health Issue in Saudi Arabia
According to WHO, obesity refers to the excessive fat
accumulation in the body that can create a serious threat to
the health. As per the guideline, if the body mass index
(BMI) of a person is more than 30, the person is counted as
obese.
It was observed that, the 7 out of 10
people are suffering from the problem of
obesity and in addition 37% of Saudi
women have the problem of overweight. It
was noted that, almost SR500 million was
spent for treating the obese people in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence
rate is 33.5% among the females while
male had the prevalence rate of 24.1%.
Current Scenario
Causes
• Sedentary Life style
• Cigarette smoking
• Lack of physical activity.
Initiatives
• Organizing awareness program on
cigarette smoking, usefulness of
exercise.
• Organize health check-up camps.
• promoting healthy diet.
• Motivational sessions
FAQs
What is the difference
between obesity and
overweight?
How can the weight be lost?
How much exercise should
be done?
Is medicine helpful in
obesity?
Contact
Details
Ministry of
Health -
Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh -
Postal Code:
11176
Tell: 937

What citizens can do to
protect themselves?
• Eat plenty of green vegetables,
fruits and whole grains
• Avoid excessive consumption of
sugary beverages and sweets.
• Avoid consumption of fried,
junk, packaged and processed
foods.
• Engage in 30 to 45 minutes of
moderate exercise at least 4 to 5
times a week, such as brisk
walking, swimming, jogging.