Healthy Lifestyle Interventions for Non-communicable Disease Prevention in Saudi Arabia: A Scoping Review

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and obesity, are considered major contributors to mortality and morbidity. Modifiable lifestyle determinants, including unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, play a major role in their progression. Interventions such as lifestyle modification are critical to reduce the onset of NCDs and improve the overall health of the population. This study aimed to synthesize the evidence on lifestyle interventions targeting NCD risk reduction among the population of Saudi Arabia by highlighting the implementing strategies, key outcomes, and recommendations. A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, given the heterogeneity of the evidence in terms of population, study design, and intervention. Databases searched included PubMed and Google Scholar, yielding 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Key outcomes such as improvement in blood pressure, weight, and risk reduction were observed in addition to dietary modification and physical activities that improved health outcomes. Mindfulness and behavioral strategies support compliance with lifestyle changes. Community initiatives and primary healthcare prevention programs enhance the effectiveness of interventions among various types of populations and those with different levels of education. Culturally tailored and structured programs and customized lifestyle interventions in terms of diet, physical activities, and behavior management or counseling are needed to reduce the incidence of NCDs and their risk factors in Saudi Arabia. Policy intervention to enforce better lifestyle intervention at the national level is needed to mitigate the risks and improve overall health, with prevention and ongoing monitoring considered essential in sustaining long-term health benefits at the population level.