Obesity and Overweight among Male Children in Primary Schools in Al-Madinah: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Obesity and overweight are a global epidemic, affecting over 1.9 billion adults, including 650 million who are obese. However, this crisis is not limited to adults; childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate. Worldwide, 340 million children and adolescents (ages 5–19) were overweight or obese in 2016, a fourfold increase since 1975. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among male children in primary schools in Al-Madinah and describe the possible risk factors that could lead to it. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1405 male children in primary schools aged 6–12 in Al-Madinah. The researchers used a study questionnaire that comprised demographic information as well as 25 items from the lifestyle behavioural checklist (LBC). Height and weight were measured, and body mass index was calculated. The results were plotted on the growth charts for Saudi children and adolescents. Results: In this study, we found 12.74% of the children were obese and 11.1% were overweight. Average income, low education level of the mother, overeating, low physical activity and high screen time were risk factors for developing obesity and overweight. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and overweight among male children in Al-Madinah were 12.74% and 11.1%, respectively. Overeating, low physical activity and high screen time were risk factors for developing obesity and overweight. Obesity-related diseases are becoming more common in obese children and adolescents. If no intervention is provided, most children and adolescents who are obese will remain obese into adulthood.