Factors associated with obesity among Saudi women of reproductive age in Jeddah City

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that women who are overweight or obese are at risk for adverse reproductive outcomes, including infertility, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, information surrounding the risk factors for obesity among Saudi women of reproductive age is deficient due to the limited number of studies that assessed obesity prevalence among them. Objective: To identify how socio-demographic, parity, eating habits (EHs), family history, and physical activity (PA) factors correlate with obesity assessed by Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference (WC) in a representative sample of Saudi women attending Jeddah Primary Health Centers (JPHCCs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling design that consisted of 408 Saudi women (15-49 years) attending 12 JPHCCs. The sampling weight and design effect were incorporated into the analysis. BMI and WC data were collected through previously validated interviews. Additionally, the anthropometric measurements (BMI and WC) were defined according to the WHO criteria. Results: The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among the study population was 33.5% and 25.1% respectively. Age, family history of obesity, and EHs were significant positive predictors for both general and abdominal obesity, while a fast food habit was a significant positive predictor for general obesity only. Being a student, being in a higher-income level, and eating three main meals/day were the three predictors with significant negative associations with abdominal obesity, while hours of sitting had significant positive associations. Conclusion: The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity were remarkably high in Saudi women of reproductive age attending Jeddah PHCCs. Our results suggest that age and family history of obesity are crucial factors that positively associated with elevated risks of developing both types of obesity.