Background: We aimed to compare the prevalence of childhood obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors from two independent cohorts (2008 and 2013) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A total of 4549 adolescents aged 12-18 years [2454 boys, 2095 girls], taken from two independent cohorts, 5 years apart (2008 and 2013), were included. Anthropometrics were measured, and fasting blood samples were taken to ascertain glucose and lipid profile.
Results: The overall prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in 2013 [15.3 (95% confidence interval 13.7-16.9)] than 2008 [12.6 (11.3-13.9)] (P = 0.012). Stratified by sex, the prevalence of obesity among boys was significantly higher in 2013 than 2008 [2008 = 12.0 (10.3-13.7) versus 2013 = 17.4 (15.1-19.7); P < 0.001]. The age groups 13 and 15 years had a significantly higher mean triglycerides in 2013 than 2008 (P-values 0.003 and <0.001, respectively) and lower mean HDL-cholesterol also in the 13 years old age group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The prevalence of childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia has increased in particular age groups (13-15 years) during a 5-year span. Special attention is warranted in these vulnerable age groups, particularly in boys, as cardiometabolic risk factors appear to worsen.
Keywords: Arabs. cardiometabolic risk factors; adolescence; childhood obesity; gender; metabolic syndrome.
© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.