| Description: |
Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, is a significant global health problem and is increasingly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, largely due to lifestyle patterns and sociodemographic factors. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and its association with lifestyle factors among adults in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1008 adults aged ≥ 18 years in Al-Baha. Participants completed a validated, self-administered online questionnaire covering demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and health status. body mass index was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Lifestyle quality was scored and categorized. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Of the 1008 participants, 651 (64.6%) were males and 357 (35.4%) were females. Notably, obesity prevalence was higher among females (97, 27.2%) than males (92, 14.1%). The highest rate occurred in the 45 to 54-year-old age group (60, 35.7%). Obesity was observed in 119 (19.2%) university graduates and 10 (12.6%) postgraduates. Married participants (143, 22.7%) had a higher obesity rate than singles (40, 11.4%). A total of 114 (11.3%) were sedentary, and 54 (5.4%) consumed fast food daily. Most participants (740, 73.4%) had a fair lifestyle score, while only 11 (1.1%) reported excellent habits. Obesity was significantly associated with gender, age, marital status, education, occupation, and lifestyle score ( P < .05). Obesity is highly prevalent in Al-Baha, particularly among women and middle-aged adults. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted local programs promoting physical activity, healthier diets, and lifestyle education. |