Year: 2024 | Month: January-March | Volume: 9 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 179-186
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20240123
Weight Status (BMI) and Self-Reported Body Image of Saudis and Non - Saudis Female Staff at the University of Hail, (KSA)
Humera Banu1, Hajar Awadh Alshammari2, Fayha Saad Alotaibi3
1Assistant Professor, 2,3Graduate students
Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences University of Hail, Hail, P.O Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding Author: Dr. Humera Banu
ABSTRACT
Background: Body image and weight perceptions have a significant impact on nutritional practices and weight management. An inability to accurately assess body image and weight status may result in ineffective weight management measures and health risks.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the weight status (BMI), self-perceived body image, and dietary habits of Saudi and non-Saudi women working at the University of Hail. Material and
Methods: A well-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on 240 respondents' demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, self-perceived body image, medical histories, amount of time spent engaging in various activities, and frequency of consuming various food categories.
Results: Sixty-one percent were 31–40 years old, and 33% were 41–50 years of age. Saudi subjects' mean height was 159 cm, their weight was 65 kg and their BMI was 25 kg/m2. Whereas in non-Saudi countries, the mean height was 160 ± 5.8, weight 66 ± 16.1, and BMI 26 ± 6.0. The prevalence of obesity or being overweight is shown for both categories. A comparison of BMI and self-perceived body image revealed that Saudi respondents accurately assessed their own body image, in contrast to pre-obese and obese non-Saudis. Hypertension and diabetes were common among pre-obese and obese subjects in both groups. Pre-obese (23%), obese (17%), Saudis, and pre-obese (18%) non-Saudis spend more than 6 hours on their cell phone. Walking and exercising at the gym were favourite activities among normal and pre-obese Saudi and non-Saudi subjects. Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between weight status and the amount of time spent doing sedentary activities (X2 (9, N = 240) =19.60, P =.0204). Dietary practices showed consumption of cereals, meat, and milk products was higher compared to fruits and vegetables. As a result, the diet was lacking in fiber-rich foods, which may be one of the causes of the high prevalence of overweight or obesity.
Conclusion: For the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, good dietary practices with an emphasis on physical activity should be highlighted.
Keywords: Weight status (BMI); Body Image; Weight perceptions; Dietary practices; Physical Activity