BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThere are limited data on changes in the prevalence of overweight among the Saudi school children and on associated risk factors. We compared recent prevalence data (2012) with early data (1994–98) and assessed risk factors.DESIGN AND SETTINGData from a cross-sectional study of children in primary schools in two cities in Al-Qassim province.PATIENTS AND METHODSParental questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic data and information on the child’s diet/exercise behavior. Children’s weight and height were measured. Current and previous data on overweight prevalence were compared and risk factors were assessed in a multiple logistic regression model.RESULTSThe sample consisted of 874 randomly chosen school children, aged 6–10 years; analysis was based on 601 with complete data. Current overweight prevalence was 16.9% and was higher in girls than in boys (29.7% vs. 11.7%, P value <.0001). Prevalence has risen in the last 15 years (overall: 16.9% vs. 10.1%; boys: 11.7% vs. 8.5%; girls: 29.7% vs. 11.5%; all P values <.05). Those who ate restaurant food ≥2 times/week were 2.4 times more likely (95% CI=1.26, 4.64) to be overweight and those who engaged in sports ≥2 hours/day were 0.5 times less likely to be overweight (95% CI=0.25, 1.20).CONCLUSIONThe overweight prevalence in primary school children in Saudi Arabia has risen significantly. The focus should be on developing obesity prevention programs for this population.
BackgroundIn Saudi Arabia, where childhood obesity is a major public health issue, it is important to identify the best tool for obesity classification. Hence, we compared two field methods for their usefulness in epidemiological studies.MethodsThe sample consisted of 874 primary school (grade I-IV) children, aged 6–10 years, and was obtained through a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Weight and height were measured, and BMI (kg/m2) was calculated. Percent body fat was determined with a Futrex analyzer that uses near infrared reactance (NIR) technology. Method specific cut-off values were used for obesity classification. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were determined for BMI, and the agreement between BMI and percent body fat was calculated.ResultsCompared to boys, the mean BMI was higher in girls whereas the mean percent body fat was lower (p-values <0.0001). According to BMI, the prevalence of overweight or obesity was significantly higher in girls (34.3% vs. 17.3%); as oppose to percent body fat, which was similar between the sexes (6.6% vs. 7.0%). The sensitivity of BMI to classify overweight or obesity was high (boys =93%, girls = 100%); and its false-positive detection rate was also high (boys = 63%, girls = 81%). The agreement rate was low between these two methods (boys = 0.48, girls =0.24).ConclusionsThere is poor agreement in obesity classification between BMI and percent body fat, using NIR method, among Saudi school children.
Background: several lifestyle factors related to adolescent overweight and obesity have been well documented. The main objectives of this study were to explore the common lifestyle behaviors among female adolescents based on body BMI category and to examine the association between overweight/obesity and lifestyle factors among them. Methods: cross-sectional study was carried out on 598 participants, and Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS) questionnaire was used. Data related to lifestyle factors, e.g., physical activity, metabolic equivalent rate, sedentary behavior; dietary consumption; and anthropometrics including height, weight, and BMI were collected. To test the correlations between BMI and lifestyle factors, ANOVA and logistic regression were performed. Results: based on BMI, 20.6% and 19.4% of females suffer from overweight and obesity, respectively. Results indicated significant differences (P<0.05) in several female anthropometric factors and lifestyle behaviors based on BMI category. These factors comprised BMI, weight, consumption of French fries/potato chips, vegetables, fruits, and cake/donuts; and MET-min of swimming, and total physical activity (MET-min/week). Overweight/obesity was significantly associated with the consumption of cake/donuts (odds ratio [OR] for >5 days/weeks =2.261; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.361-3.757), French fries (OR for 3-4 days/weeks=1.936; 95% CI=.206-3.110) and fruit (OR for 3-4 days/weeks=1.669; 95% CI=1.032-2.697). Conclusion: a significant positive association between BMI category and factors such as eating French fries/potato chips and cakes/donuts were observed among adolescent Saudi females.
Background: Manipulation of functional dairy products and natural phytochemicals may be a good source of micronutrients for traditional therapies and improve the hypoglycemia. The objective of this study to find out the protective effects of whey protein (WP) mixed with Garcinia kola seeds (GK) and extract of olive leaves (OL) against alloxan-induced oxidative stress and diabetes in rats. Methods: The 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats (120-150 g) were housed individually and randomly allocated to two main groups; normal group (n = 6) and six equal alloxan-induced diabetic groups (n = 36). Normal (first) and diabetic control (second) groups received basal diet only during the experiment, while groups (third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh) received basal diet and an oral extract from WB (300 mg/day); OL (200 mg/day); WP and OL mixture (300 + 200 mg/day); GK (15 mg/day); and WP and GK mixture (300 + 15 mg/day) respectively. Biochemical markers including hematological parameters, glucose, BUN, creatinine, albumin, total protein, and liver enzymes were determined. Brain sample were taken for histopathological examination. Results: In comparison with second group, the administration of WP, GK, OL, WP and GK mixture, and WP and OL extracts respectively resulted in significant decrease in blood glucose (61.0 ± 10.8, 68.5 ± 6.6, 64.8 ± 14.6, 82.2 ± 8.4, and 91.7 ± 20 vs. 135.6 mg/dl ± 12.3 respectively). Liver enzymes were improved with administration of WP, GK, and OL extracts compared with positive control. Brain histopathological investigation showed reduction in tissue changes among rats received the suggested interventions. Conclusions: The obtained data can be concluded that administration of WP, GK, and OL extracts had evident favorable effects on blood glucose, major hematological, and biochemical parameters as well as the histological picture of brain.
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