Impact of dietary intake patterns and level of physical activity on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Omani adults

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased globally, and Oman is no exception. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary intake patterns and level of physical activity (PA) on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Omani adults. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 402 adults (both males and females aged 18 and 60 years) were selected from all Omani governorates. Results: The results showed that 53.7% of the study population was either overweight or obese, particularly those older than 30 years. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly ( P < 0.05) affected by gender and age group but not by the residential area (urban vs. rural). Overweight (BMI ≥25) was more prevalent in younger males than females (55% vs. 11% in the 18–24-year age group), and the rate of weight gain increased rapidly with advancing age. Within the 35 to 44-year age group, 72% of males and 74% of females were either overweight or obese. Daily dietary energy intake was higher in males than in females ( P < 0.05). Males had a significantly higher level of PA than females ( P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in dietary energy intake and PA levels among various age groups. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study confirm a high prevalence of overweight and obesity across all adult age groups in the Omani population with significant gender differences. The higher BMI rates in young males compared to females need further investigations into contributing factors. Interventional strategies and public health policies must be developed to target the unhealthy dietary patterns and physical inactivity behaviors to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Omani adults.