Overweight and Obesity in Saudi Arabia - Consequences and Solutions

Jul 19, 2026

Overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia are examined through evidence on prevalence patterns, trends, and their health and socioeconomic consequences. The report analyzes challenges and opportunities for obesity prevention, including the roles of diet and dietary behaviors as well as physical inactivity in driving risk. It synthesizes methods and findings across chapters, offering key messages and conclusions designed to inform policy action and prevention strategies in the Saudi context.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages189

Reading Time7 h 56 min

AccessFree to download

Foreword

Acknowledgments

About the Editors

Abbreviations

CHAPTER 1 Overview: Challenges and Opportunities for Obesity Prevention in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Objective and scope of this report

Organization of the report

Conclusions

CHAPTER 2 Prevalence, Trends, and Consequences of Overweight and Obesity in Saudi Arabia

Key messages

Background

Methods

Trends and prevalence of overweight and obesity

Consequences of overweight and obesity: Both a disease and a risk factor

Conclusions

CHAPTER 3 Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in Saudi Arabia

Key messages

Introduction

Methods

Dietary behaviors contributing to overweight and obesity

Physical inactivity as a risk factor in the development of overweight and obesity

Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Overweight and Obesity in Saudi Arabia Consequences and Solutions Mohammed Alluhidan, Reem F. Alsukait, Taghred Alghaith, Meera Shekar, Nahar Alazemi, and Christopher H. Herbst, Editors INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN FOCUS Overweight and Obesity in Saudi Arabia Consequences and Solutions MOHAMMED ALLUHIDAN, REEM F. ALSUKAIT, TAGHRED ALGHAITH, MEERA SHEKAR, NAHAR ALAZEMI, AND CHRISTOPHER H. HERBST, EDITORS © 2022 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org)[ ](Internet: www.worldbank.org)Some rights reserved 1 2 3 4 25 24 23 22 Books in this series are published to communicate the results of World Bank research, analysis, and operational experience with the least possible delay. The extent of language editing varies from book to book. This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use ofor failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered tobe a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under) the Creative Commons Attribution license, you are free to copy, distribute, transmit, and adapt this work, including for commercial purposes, under the following conditions: Attribution—Please cite the work as follows: Alluhidan, Mohammed, Reem F. Alsukait, TaghredAlghaith, Meera Shekar, NaharAlazemi, and Christopher H. Herbst, eds. Overweight and Obesity in Saudi Arabia: Consequences and Solutions. International Development in Focus. Washington, DC: World Bank. doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-1828-8. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0 IGO Translations—If you create a translation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This translation was not created by The World Bank and should not be considered an official World Bank translation. The World Bank shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation. Adaptations—If you create an adaptation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This is an adaptation of an original work by The World Bank. Views and opinions expressed in the adaptation are the sole responsibility of the author or authors of the adaptation and are not endorsed by The World Bank. Third-party content—The World Bank does not necessarily own each component of the content contained within the work. The World Bank therefore does not warrant that the use of any third-partyowned individual component or part contained in the work will not infringe on the rights of those third parties. The risk of claims resulting from such infringement rests solely with you. If you wish tore-use a component of the work, it is your responsibility to determine whether pe

FAQs

What are the main topics covered in the report?

The report covers challenges and opportunities for obesity prevention, prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity, and the determinants driving these conditions in Saudi Arabia.

How does the report explain the consequences of overweight and obesity?

It presents consequences by framing overweight and obesity as both a disease and a risk factor, supported by the report’s synthesized evidence.

Which determinants are highlighted as contributing to overweight and obesity?

Dietary behaviors and physical inactivity are identified as key contributing risk factors, with related methods and findings discussed in the determinants chapter.

Jul 19, 2026

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