Factors Contributing To Obesity Among Adolescents Saudi Female In Riyadh City.

Abstract

Obesity is a serious medical problem that is increasing in prevalence in the adolescent and adult population. The influence of obesity on health is an increased incidence of medical problems. The obese adolescent who becomes an obese adult will have more severe obesity than those adults who obesity began in adulthood. Adolescence is an important period in the individual’s life. According to World Health Organization report 2008, there are nearly one and half billion adolescents (age 15 years to 21 years) in the world. Adolescence makes a time of dramatic physical and psychological changes. Dynamic hormonal changes allow for the somatic growth and pubertal development that occurs during adolescence. Although this process usually begins in the second decade of life, there is wide variation in the onset and duration of puberty between individuals, between males and females, and among ethnic or social groups. During the past three decade, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undergone tremendous changes in life style, including physical activity patterns and eating habits. Such dramatic lifestyle changes are thought to have contributed immensely to the increase in obesity prevalence among Saudi children and adolescents. Obesity was present in all age groups in Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of obesity among adolescents age 18 to 21 years old , was 23.1 % for males and 30.4% for females. More women than men. The prevalence of overweight was 30.7% for males and 28.4% for female. As well as, overweight and obesity among university students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were 31% and 23.3% respectively. There are a variety of factors that play a significant role in developing the obesity among the adolescents such as genetics factors ,Pathophysiological factors , environmental factors , behavioral factors, nutritional factors ,smoking factors , medical factors, medications, cultural factors, socioeconomic factors, and psychological factors . Obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, stroke and some cancers. More attention to the promotion of physical activity throughout childhood and adolescences are required. Awareness programs for adolescences students toward select diet and proper physical activities should be redesigned.