Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Obesity and overweight are prevalent in Saudi Arabia (24.95% & 31.80%).Also, childhood obesity in the country is a challenge, with 6% -10% of preschool and school-age children.The burden of being overweight and obese is disastrous.Therefore, the Saudi Diabetes Scientific Society constituted a team to develop a guideline.The team reviewed the local Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Obesity in Saudi Arabia; and conducted a rigorous review of relevant evidence-based scientific literature.After a thorough assessment, a consensus was reached to use the Australian guideline as the main guideline to be adapted and localized to be suitable for the Saudi people.To avoid duplication of efforts, the team adopted the grading of evidence used by the Australian guideline.