Prevalence’s of Overweight and Obesity among Saudi Children

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalences of overweight and obesity among Saudi children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the National Guard Comprehensive Specialized Clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected over a period of 6 months between December 2014 and May 2015. The study sample included 1000 children of Saudi nationality aged 2–14 years who visited the National Guard Comprehensive Clinic. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were performed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2000 growth charts were used to assess body mass index (BMI). The children were classified into the following four weight categories: underweight (BMI less than the 5th percentile for age and sex), normal weight (BMI between the 5th and 84th percentiles), overweight (BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles), and obese (BMI more than the 95th percentile). The weight categories were then studied according to sex and age (2–4 years, 5–9 years, and 10–14 years). In boys and girls, the prevalences of overweight were 9.5% and 14.4% and those of obesity were 13.5% and 18%, respectively. The overall prevalences of overweight and obesity were higher among girls than boys. Additionally, the prevalences of overweight and obesity were the highest in the 10–14-year group. Overweight and obesity are important public health problems among Saudi children. A national prevention program is recommended to avoid obesity-related morbidity in adulthood.