Obesity prevalence and dietary behaviors satisfaction among 6-12 years old school children in Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Pages: 246-249/
Akrm Alwasel and Osama Mansour Alateeq (Medical Intern, Imam Mohammad bin Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

A remarkable increasing concern in obesity prevalence in Saudi community. Obesity problem had been reported in different regions of the kingdom. Dietary behaviours have been reported as a contributing factor to overweight and obesity prevalence. yet data still needed regarding dietary behaviours and individuals lifestyle. Current study aims to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the satisfaction level towards the dominant dietary behaviours among Saudi school children ranging in age between 6 to 12 years old in Riyadh city. A cross sectional study will be performed on 150 school children students ranging in age between 6 and 12 years, data will be collected regarding socio-demographic factors, and dietary behaviours. study revealed that there is a dramatic increase in overweight and obesity prevalence rates among 6-12 school children (52% & 25.3%, respectively) besides to the somehow satisfying level towards their dietary behaviours. Study pointed out to the strong association of the dominant dietary behaviours and the sedentary lifestyle of the school children to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity and mandate the need for an awareness campaign to adopt the healthy dietary habits and lifestyles.