Comparative Study of Obesity Prevalence, Dietary Pattern and Physical Activity among Male Adult Saudi Citizens and Foreign Workers: The Case of Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity become a worldwide epidemic health problem. Unhealthy eating habits, fast food intake, and physical inactivity are factors that lead. Accelerating the economy makes Saudi Arabia the leading destination for foreign workers from neighboring countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s population stood at 30.8 million at the end of 2014, there were 20.7 million Saudis, making up 67 per-cent of the people, while the number of foreigners stood at 10.1 million or 33 percent. For foreign workers, scientific research on the incidence of overweight/obesity and related factors is nearly non-existent. Objective: The current research examined the disparities among male adult Saudi citizens and foreign workers residing in Qassim concerning obesity prevalence, eating habits, fast food intake, and physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed among the 1200 male adults aged 20-49 years (600 Saudi citizens and 600 foreign workers). This research was drawn randomly from public centers in Qassim. Bodyweight and height were measured using standardized methods. Results: The results showed that overweight was highly prevalent among male adult Saudi citizens and foreign workers living in the Qassim region as a result of the altered lifestyle patterns, reduced physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits. Conclusion: Saudi men have a significantly higher rate of obesity and a lower rate of physical activity levels. While healthy dietary patterns such as eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables dimensioned among Saudi and foreign workers men, fast food consumption is widespread and will undoubtedly continue and increasing.