LIFESTYLE, DIETARY HABITS AND PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AMONG FEMALE OFFICE EMPLOYEES AT QASSIM UNIVERSITY, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in human societies is associated with many chronic syndromes, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.  The prevalence of obesity is 33.7% in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  A cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of randomly selected 132 female office employees at Qassim University, excluding pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.  The study aimed to identify dietary habits and lifestyle associated with obesity using a questionnaire and personal interviews.  The majority of participants also attended a lecture on food educational program, and after one month, were assessed on the outcomes of their dietary habits, lifestyle and body physical parameters.  The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38 and 45% respectively.  Lunch was the main meal, but nearly half of the participants neglected breakfast; the majority did not consume sugary juices; and ate while watching television or a mobile device, and also when upset or depressed.  Slightly over half of the female office employees regularly conducted physical exercise, 1-2 times a week for two hours or less.  Daily nutrient intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins was within the recommended allowances, but below the accepted range for fiber, unsaturated fat, vitamins B3, B6, C, and D, and the essential chemical elements, while that of sugar was higher.  Attendance of the lecture resulted in only minor changes in the participants’ dietary habits and lifestyle: attention to reducing calorie intake and taking more exercise.  On average, there is a significant decrease in waist circumference and total body water mass, an increase in the body percent fat mass, but no change in body mass index. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for more awareness of the high prevalence of overweight/obesity among Saudi female office employees and for a better knowledge of ways to maintain a healthy weight and avoid the overweight/obesity-related health risks.