Background: Childhood obesity is considered a globally pandemic. The primary cause of overweight and obesity is lifestyle that leads to the energy imbalance between consumed calories and expended ones. Therefore, this study aimed to assess lifestyle and its relation to obesity among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents during November 2019 and February 2020 all over Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle. The weight, height and the body mass index of was documented to the participants. Prevalence of obesity was assessed and risk factors were determined.
Results: Out of 1,396 participants, 81.2% completed the questionnaires, their mean age was 14.18±2.33 years, and 54.5% were females. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 15.9% and 12.8%, and underweight was 13.5%. The main predictors that were significantly associated with overweight and obesity were a positive family history of obesity, consuming French fries ≥ 3 days /week, and consuming milk products less than twice daily. However, surprisingly, children not gathering during eating food with family, consuming fast food ≥ 3 days /week, or eating fast food at home were found to be associated with lower prevalence of overweight and obesity.
Conclusion: Overweight and obesity prevalence is still high among students, especially those who have a positive family history of obesity, obesity at younger age, consuming more French fries weekly, and less milk products daily. Therefore, we need urgent and effective policies and interventions to combat schoolchildren obesity.