IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Sumayah Abdulmohsen Alhejji; Reema Abdulaziz Alabdulqader; Marwa Abdullah Albanyan; Atheer Abdulrahman Alâ€“Haidar; Sayed Ibrahim Ali

Volume : VI, Issue : III, March - 2017

Childhood obesity epidemic in eastern region KSA: How to control it?

Sumayah Abdulmohsen Alhejji, Reema Abdulaziz Alabdulqader, Marwa Abdullah Albanyan, Atheer Abdulrahman Al Haidar, Sayed Ibrahim Ali

Abstract :

Objective: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of obese and overweight children in eastern region in Saudi Arabia, and to study parent’s awareness of obesity and emotional eating. Eventually measuring the quality and quantity of snack food consumed by children in homes and schools. Study design: A cross sectional study. Methods: A study of 424 respondents was conducted over 4 months duration, period from July 2016 to December 2016. A questionnaire to parents included 21 questions was distributed assessing child eating habits and to study the prevalence and social awareness of obese and overweight children in eastern region in Saudi Arabia and how to control this epidemic. Results: There were a total of 424 questionnaires that were analyzed. 10.8% (n=46) of the respondents were underweight, 57.8% (n=245) were normal weight, 1.7%(n=7) were overweight, 22.9% (n=97) were obese and 6.8% (n=29) were morbidly obese. Conclusion: The study shows a promising future for good child health and obesity awareness, though as society we need more interventional programs and awareness campaigns in malls, gardens and school halls about obesity and healthy life style. Our schools need cyclic governmental supervision of food provided in the cafeteria and national program to encourage healthy and fit child.