Prevalence of Obesity among Adults Visiting Otorhinolaryngology Clinics for Snoring

Dear Editor, We read the interesting research released in April 2024–June 2024 issue of your fabulous journal. On using a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 for defining obesity, Alhedaithy et al.[1] detected obesity in 74.1% of Saudi adults visiting otorhinolaryngology clinics for snoring. In our opinion, the reported obesity prevalence could be higher if Alhedaithy et al.[1] considered the following methodological point. Internationally, BMI ≥30 kg/m2 is usually used to classify adult individuals as obese.[2] In Saudi Arabia, BMI has been evaluated to determine its sensitivity and specificity for obesity diagnosis with special regard to a particular BMI cutoff value (COV). Interestingly, the sensitivity and specificity for obesity were estimated to be 54.1% and 96.7%, respectively, for BMI COV of 30 kg/m2 while they were 76.4% and 88.2%, respectively, for BMI COV of 27.5 kg/m2. A lower BMI COV (26.60 kg/m2) was proposed for Saudi adults, which could yield the greatest sensitivity (84.3%) and specificity (85.4%). As a result, obesity prevalence at this BMI COV could become significantly greater than that recommended by other standards such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[3] We believe that referring to the proposed BMI COV (26.60 kg/m2)[3] could better view the actual obesity prevalence in the study population. Irrespective of the limitation mentioned above, the recorded high obesity prevalence (74.1%) among Saudi patients with snoring[1] additionally enriches the literature on the pronounced association between snoring, which is an important element characterizing obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity.[4] Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.