Work

The prevalence and risk factors associated with obesity among adults in Hawtat Bani Tamim: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Obesity has emerged as a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia, showing regional variations in its prevalence and associated risk factors. This study provides the first city-level estimates of obesity prevalence and its independent sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants in Hawtat Bani Tamim, addressing the gap in localized epidemiological data for targeted public health interventions. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 adults living in Hawtat Bani Tamim. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data were collected through standardized questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with obesity. Results The prevalence of obesity in the study population was 28.9%. Increased odds of obesity were observed in individuals aged 41–50 years (OR = 1.45, p = 0.001) and 51–60 years (OR = 2.40, p < 0.001), males (OR = 1.20, p = 0.007), those with lower education levels (secondary school or less, OR = 4.18, p = 0.008), short sleep duration (OR = 1.25, p = 0.021), smokers (OR = 1.30, p = 0.008), physically inactive individuals (OR = 1.60, p = 0.005), and those with hypertension. Moderate activity was protective (OR = 0.75, p = 0.028). There is no significant association between obesity and place of residence, marital status, occupation, or most dietary factors. Conclusion Obesity is prevalent among adults in Hawtat Bani Tamim and is closely linked to age, gender, education level, sleep hours, smoking, physical inactivity, and hypertension. These results highlight the importance of targeted public health efforts and policies to reduce obesity rates and prevent related health issues in this area.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1877282

Author: Mohammed Omar Musa Mohammed

Institution: Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

Language: English

Topic: Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801