The Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Obesity Among Adults in Hawtat Bani Tamim: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obesity has emerged as a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia, showing regional variations in its prevalence and associated risk factors. This study assessed the prevalence of obesity and explored its associated risk factors among adults in Hawtat Bani Tamim. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 394 adults living in Hawtat Bani Tamim. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data were collected through standardized questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with obesity. Results: The prevalence of obesity in the study population was 28.9%. Increased odds of obesity were observed in individuals aged 41–50 years (OR=1.45, P=0.001) and 51–60 years (OR=2.40, P<0.001), males (OR=1.20, P=0.007), those with lower education levels (secondary school or less, OR=4.18, P=0.008), short sleep duration (OR=1.25, P=0.021), smokers (OR=1.30, P=0.008), physically inactive individuals (OR=1.60, P=0.005), and those with hypertension. Moderate activity was protective (OR=0.75, P=0.028). There is no significant association between obesity and place of residence, marital status, occupation, or most dietary factors. Conclusion: Obesity is prevalent among adults in Hawtat Bani Tamim and is closely linked to age, gender, education level, sleep hours, smoking, physical inactivity, and hypertension. These results underscore the importance of targeted public health efforts and policies to reduce obesity rates and prevent related health issues in this area.