Saudi Arabia’s obesity problem: Causes, consequences, and public health remedies

1.1 Classification of obesity as highlighted by the American diabetes association (ADA)

The classification of obesity has based on simple Body Mass Index (BMI) categorization to include clinically relevant measures that better predict metabolic risk (Fig. 2, Table 1). BMI is the preliminary screening tool, categorizing persons as underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m²), or with Class I (30.0-34.9 kg/m²), II (35.0-39.9 kg/m²), or III (≥40.0 kg/m²) obesity, its major limitation is the inability to distinguish between fat and muscle mass or to account for fat distribution (Alluhidan et al., 2022). Subsequently, waist circumference is documented as a crucial adjunct, with high-risk abdominal obesity defined as a waist circumference greater than 102 cm for men and greater than 88 cm for women, as it specifically identifies harmful visceral adiposity that drives insulin resistance (ElSayed et al., 2024). To better predict outcomes and decide how strong treatment should be, the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) puts patients into groups from Stage 0 (no risk factors) to Stage 3 (organ damage), and Stage 2 (existing related illnesses like type 2 diabetes) is an important sign that strong treatment is needed (Padwal et al., 2011). This perspective derives from the idea of adiposopathy, i.e “sick fat”, a situation in which malfunctioning fat tissue is the source of continuous inflammation, abnormal hormone release, and abnormal fat accumulation as a result, the ultimate development of ‍‌obesity related complication like diabetes (Bays et al., 2008). It is also very important to think about ethnicity, since some groups, like people in Asia, and maybe those in the Arabian Peninsula, are more likely to have problems with their metabolism even at lower BMI levels, so diagnosis and care should be tailored to each person (Alluhidan et al., 2022; Al-Rubeaan et al., 2015).

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Fig. 2.

BMI, waist circumference, and edmonton obesity staging system presented stage 0.1,2, and 3 (EOSS).

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2.1 Study design

Present review aimed to outline the obesity situation in Saudi Arabia through a conceptual fusion of evidence from different disciplines, i.e, clinical, molecular, epidemiological, and policy-based literature. The epidemiological burden, temporal trends, classification, genetic predisposition, environmental and behavioral factors, pathophysiological mechanisms, and national public health interventions are among the primary topics that were discussed.

2.2 Literature search strategy and study selection

The primary topics included such epidemiological burden, temporal trends, classification, genetic compositions, behavioral and environmental variables, pathophysiological mechanisms, and national public health initiatives. Major electronic databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, were used to conduct an organized literature search. In order to gather population-level and policy-related data, pertinent reports from the World Health Organization, the Saudi Ministry of Health, and national health surveillance programs were also examined. Articles published between 2000 and 2025 were the main focus of the literature search; studies published after 2015 were given more weight because they reflected recent changes in epidemiology and healthcare reforms in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Obesity, overweight, prevalence, Saudi Arabia, childhood obesity, genetic factors, lifestyle determinants, urbanization, metabolic consequences, and public health interventions were among the search terms used in different combinations and Boolean operators (AND, OR) were used to make search results as sensitive and relevant as possible. Selected studies were chosen based on the review’s scope, and priority was given to peer-reviewed scientific articles, population-based surveys, national surveillance reports, and official public health full-length documents on obesity in Saudi Arabia or similar regional contexts.

2.3 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The studies included were published in English with prevalence, determinants, underlying mechanisms, or interventions of obesity. The preference was on the research that was conducted in Saudi Arabia or the research that provided evidence that was applicable to the regional context. The articles considered were those published in peer-reviewed journals or issued by reputable health officials. Included in the studies were those that were case reports or small clinical series, those that were poorly methodologically described, or those that were not directly related to obesity or metabolic health outcomes.

2.4 Data extraction and narrative synthesis and quality considerations

All the information was extracted and prepared, including epidemiology, obesity classification, genetic influences, behavioral and environmental determinants, socioeconomic factors, biological mechanisms, and national prevention strategies. Because the study designs, participants, and outcome measures were so different, the results were put together using a qualitative narrative method instead of a quantitative pooling. Tables and figures were presented to show trends, point out connections, and make things easier to understand. This review was synthesized based on the publicly available outcome or data, therefore, no ethical approval and informed consent were required.

2.5 Obesity trends in Saudi Arabia

Across the country, it is shown that 35.6% of Saudi adults are obese (BMI ≥30), and 69.7% of all adults are either overweight or obese is a much larger number compared to what previous studies in the country have revealed. The problem affects different groups differently, as more women are obese (41.0%) compared to men (31.7%) with different age groups, the highest obesity rate is in adults between 45 and 54 years old (49.7%), but there is a troubling rise in young adults aged 18 to 24, where 21.5% are obese (Althumiri et al., 2021). Around 20% of children and teenagers are overweight or obese, with obesity alone affecting 9-12%, which points to an increasing health issue (Al-Hazzaa et al., 2012). Where people reside is also important, because most people who are very overweight are in large urban areas such as Riyadh (about 38%) and Jeddah (around 37%), but rural areas have fewer cases, though the numbers are rising (almost 31%) (Memish et al., 2014). There are several reasons for this issue, such as people consuming more unhealthy and processed foods, not exercising enough (between 67% and 90%), family history, and living in urban environments with little physical activity (Al-Hazzaa et al., 2012; Moradi-Lakeh et al., 2017; Ministry of Health, 2023). Taken together, these elements indicate that being overweight is worsening and will create significant challenges for wellness, the amount of money spent on medical care, and the number of people who become ill in Saudi Arabia later on (Table 2) (Althumiri et al., 2021, Memish et al., 2014, El-Menyar et al., 2011, Saudipedia, 2023; Gulf Health Council, 2024).

2.6 Projected trends of obesity and overweight in saudi Arabia

Obesity and overweight-related problems in Saudi Arabia are projected to deteriorate further between 2015 and 2025. As per the Gulf Health Council Annual Report 2024, adult obesity has been increasing continuously for the last ten years and has escalated to 35.6% in 2024. The rate of obesity among children has been going up and down slightly and has stayed at approximately 18.2% ‍(Gulf Health Council, 2024). It has been‍‌ predicted that the obesity rates will go up to 36.2% for adults and 18.5% for children by 2025. The situation may imply that folks are still dwelling in areas and conditions that make obesity their problem in addition to financial and other social issues and that the anti-obesity programs are ‍‌ineffective ‍‍(Gulf Health Council, 2024). These patterns are consistent with global trends documented by the World Obesity Federation, demonstrating that the negative effects of obesity on health and the economy are present everywhere (World Obesity Federation, 2024). The data highlights the importance of continuing to adopt a variety of strategies to help, such as government initiatives, health awareness campaigns, and obesity prevention programs, in reducing the ongoing rise in the prevalence of obesity among Saudi Arabians of all ages.

2.7 Sharp and consistent rise in adult obesity

In Saudi Arabia, adult obesity has been climbing for the last decade. It rises from about 29% in 2015 to 34% in 2020. It was observed that obesity rates were 36% in 2024 and were expected to reach 36.2% by 2025 (Althumiri et al., 2021; Althumiri et al., 2024; Gulf Health Council, 2024; Alsulami et al., 2023). This increase seems to be from people changing their diet behavior, less physical activity, and other things in their surroundings that push them toward obesity. One‍‌ out of every three adults is likely to be obese in 2025 if the trends continue to rise. Smoking homes, this will be a strain on healthcare, and, therefore, it becomes more obvious that our efforts to prevent obesity and to provide comfort to people who are already in this situation must be intensified urgently (Althumiri et al., 2020; Althumiri et al., 2024; Gulf Health Council, 2024; Alsulami et al., 2023).

2.8 Dramatic upsurge in childhood obesity

Over‍‌ the last ten years, childhood obesity has been growing in Saudi Arabia. This seems to be a result of big changes in children’s diet, their surroundings, and their daily habits. Local studies have shown that around 18.2% of children and teenagers were overweight in 2024 and it is estimated that the percentage will go up to 18.5% in 2025 (Gulf Health Council, 2024; Alsulami et al., 2023). Research before and after the COVID-19 period showed that children’s BMI changed by 3-4 percentage points in a very short time due to the closure of schools, lockdown, and more sitting (Alhakami et al., 2025). The World Obesity Federation states that the problem of childhood obesity is everywhere, and what happens in one country is more or less the same in other countries (Alsulami et al., 2023). We have to turn this increasing problem around to stop the children of tomorrow from having health issues. In other words, it would take such things as school programs, health campaigns, and awareness programmes‍‍‌.

2.9 Regional variation in obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia

Different‍‌ reliable national and international sources give a picture of the situation where the adult obesity rate in Saudi Arabia shows some regional differences. The obesity rates, urbanization, and physical inactivity are factors that go hand in hand positively. Urban areas with a high level of urbanization are, thus, the places with the highest obesity rates. The figures obesity (39.1%), urbanization (87.2%), and physical inactivity (87.3%) are at a maximum level in Riyadh in the ‍‌country. Makkah‍‌ and the Eastern Province are the places that come after the first one, having been ranked second and third with obesity levels at 37.9 and Urbanization at 82.8 and 84.5, respectively. Meanwhile, places with less urbanization such as Jizan (66.5%) and Najran (68.4%) are reported to have the lowest rates of obesity (32.1% and 32.6%, respectively), and Jizan’s physical inactivity rate is going down to 79.8% (Ministry of Health, 2025; Mahmood et al., 2024‍‍‌). These trends demonstrate that urban lifestyles, which are marked by inactivity and sedentary behavior, are significant regional causes of obesity in Saudi Arabia. Which highlights the necessity of region-specific public health interventions and identifies urbanization as the main cause of the obesity pandemic (Alsulami et al., 2023; Ministry of Health, 2025; Mahmood et al., 2024; General Authority for Statistics, 2026).

2.10 Obesity-related risk factors

A complex interaction of genetic, behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic variables that disrupt energy balance leads to obesity (Alluhidan et al., 2022) (Fig. 3). Large-scale genome-wide findings verify that obesity is mostly polygenic, with many variations affecting appetite, energy intake, and adipocyte biology instead of a single causal gene (Loos et al., 2022). Hormonal dysregulation is a secondary cause of visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and weight gain in women with endocrine diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and hyperandrogenism (Pasquali et al., 2019). The risk of obesity and associated cardiometabolic problems is persistently increased by dietary patterns that include a high intake of processed foods, refined carbs, and sugar-sweetened drinks, together with a low intake of whole foods, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats (Mozaffarian et al., 2016). Sleep is an important but underappreciated metabolic regulator because chronic sleep restriction changes glucose metabolism, reduces insulin sensitivity, and increases circulating ghrelin while reducing leptin, which increases hunger and causes weight gain (Spiegel et al., 2009). Through neuroendocrine pathways, including cortisol and dopaminergic reward signaling, psychological stress triggers reward-driven eating, especially for highly appealing, calorie-dense meals, perpetuating cycles of overeating (Adam and Epel, 2007). Obesity rates are influenced by obesogenic settings at the population level, which are controlled by food availability, marketing, transportation systems, and urban architecture. Modern lifestyles encourage access to high-calorie foods while favoring sedentary labor and passive mobility (Swinburn et al., 2011). Globally, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased over the past 25 years in the majority of areas, significantly increasing morbidity, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years. As of yet, no nation has demonstrated a sustained reversal (GBD 2015 Obesity Collaborators, 2017). Obesity is a socioeconomically patterned illness because low-income individuals frequently have restricted access to inexpensive, nutrient-dense meals and safe places for physical activity, which exacerbates the burden (Drewnowski, 2009). Furthermore, popular drugs like corticosteroids, antipsychotics, and certain antidepressants are often linked to clinically significant weight gain, which is an iatrogenic aspect that is often ignored (Domecq et al., 2015). Together, these results highlight the fact that obesity is a complex chronic disorder molded by genetic, hormonal, behavioral, environmental, and social factors that necessitate multilayer preventive and treatment approaches rather than being the result of personal failure (Alluhidan et al., 2022; Swinburn et al., 2011).

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Fig. 3.

Demonstration of the complex interplay of genetic, behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic factors affecting obesity.

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2.11 Genetic factor influences obesity

Genetic factors account for a significant amount of an individual’s vulnerability to obesity, genetic variation affects body weight, with estimates showing that the genetic measure of BMI has a heritability between 40 to 70 percent (Elks et al., 2012). Severe, early-onset obesity can arise from rare monogenic types of obesity, which are brought on by mutations in important genes controlling the leptin melanocortin pathway (Table 3) (Farooqi and O’Rahilly, 2014; Huvenne et al., 2016; Qi et al., 2012; Clement et al., 2020; Angulo et al., 2015). For example, mutations in the LEP or LEPR genes disrupt satiety signaling, resulting in fast weight gain and chronic hyperphagia (Farooqi and O’Rahilly, 2014). Similar to this, up to 5% of people with severe childhood obesity have mutations in the MC4R gene, the most prevalent cause of monogenic obesity, which show up as extreme appetite and rapid development (Huvenne et al., 2016).

Obesity in the general population is mostly polygenic, impacted by the accumulation of hundreds of common genetic variations, each of which raises BMI somewhat. The FTO gene is the most important and often replicated locus among the more than 1,000 loci linked to BMI and fat distribution found by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). FTO mutations show a mechanism mediated by increased appetite and inclination for high-calorie items, since they are linked to higher energy intake rather than lower expenditure (Pulit et al., 2019). Notably, such genetic effects, in combination with environmental factors such as the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, increase the chances of the emergence of obesity in sensitive individuals (Qi et al., 2012). This genomic knowledge has been utilised in recent developments in precision medicine. Setmelanotide MC4R agonist, is an effective treatment of severe obesity due to POMC deficiency, with ability to control appetite and induce significant weight loss (Clement et al., 2020).

2.12 Behavioral factors

The‍‌ behavioral factors play a major role in the rise of obesity in the Saudi Arabia, particularly when the country is experiencing fast changes in lifestyle and socioeconomic conditions (Fig. 4). The‍‌ change in nutrition is additionally facilitated by the lowering of the physical activity levels for all ages. Physical inactivity is still at a high level, as has been the case for some time, which is also clearly seen from the national statistics. These have been influenced by the recent trends in transportation, less movement at work, and the insufficient access or use of places for physical exercise, while, at the same time, cultural and environmental factors have become even greater disincentives for an active lifestyle ‍‌(Al-Hazzaa, 2018). Adolescents followed the same trends and got engaged with long-time usage of the screen among other sedentary activities. They also acquired unhealthy eating habits which led to obesity being the major cause of their children’s (Al-Hazzaa et al., 2011). Their behavior patterns also correspond to the general trends of the region where the fast pace of modernization, the more significant availability of high-calorie foods, and the change in social behavior have resulted in the prevalence of obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Musaiger, 2011). Furthermore, intentional reports among the Saudi people reveal that there are strong relationships between lifestyle-related behaviors such as the intake of high caloric content and low exercise levels and the increased prevalence of obesity (Al-Nozha et al., 2005). These behavioral determinants, when taken together, point to the need for all-inclusive approaches to health promotion that consider healthier food options, less sedentary time, and more physical activity engagement in the Saudi ‍‌population (Table 4) (Al-Othaimeen et al., 2007; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2014; Al-Hazzaa, 2007; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2013; Al-Rukban, 2003; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2014; Musaiger and Al-Hazzaa, 2012; AlEnazi et al., 2023; Alshaikh et al., 2023; Al-Daghri et al., 2011; Al-Nuaim et al., 1996; El-Hazmi and Warsy, 1997; Al-Rethaiaa et al., 2010; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2011; Al-Hazzaa and Musaiger, 2011.

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Fig. 4.

Demonstration of multiple behavioral factors and their interaction in obesity pathogenesis.

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2.13 Environmental factors

Rapid‍‌ urbanization in Saudi Arabia has experienced a socio-economic transformation, which has led to the generation of environmental conditions that, according to Fig. 5, Table 5 ( Memish et al., 2014; Moradi-Lakeh et al., 2017; Musaiger, 2011; Al-Nozha et al., 2005; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2014; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2013; Musaiger and Al-Hazzaa, 2012; AlEnazi et al., 2023; Alshaikh et al., 2023; Al-Daghri et al., 2011; Al-Rethaiaa et al., 2010; Al-Othaimeen et al., 2007; Suleiman and Ming, 2025; Al-Quwaidhi et al., 2014), strongly promote obesity across the population. National surveillance data indicate major lifestyle changes that are directly linked to the modern infrastructure, expanding cities, and changing community environments (Memish et al., 2014).

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Fig. 5.

Depiction of multiple environmental factors associated with obesogenic behavior.

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Urban design in big cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam is mainly characterized by the heavy reliance on private vehicles, narrow or more limited pedestrian pathways, and low walkability, all of which significantly decrease the possibilities of daily physical activity (Al-Hazzaa, 2018). The limitations of the built environment, as seen here, are consistent with the results of studies on Saudi adolescents and adults that report low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary lifestyles (Al-Hazzaa et al., 2011). In addition, extreme weather conditions, especially long periods of very hot weather, make people reluctant to go out and do their recreational activities and hence contribute to the increased time that is spent indoors, where people tend to be involved in sedentary behaviors (Al-Hazzaa, 2018; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2011).

Studies carried out in the KSA reveal the increasing levels of availability of energy-dense foods, fast-food restaurants, and carbonated drinks, which have been gradually substituting the old dietary patterns (dates, whole grains, and lean proteins), particularly in young adults and urban populations, as shown by national and college-based studies (Memish et al., 2014; Musaiger et al., 2011;Al-Othaimeen et al., 2007).

With the growth of cities, Western-style malls and 24 h food services have become the center of people’s lives, thus, promoting both passive entertainment and high-calorie food intake (Memish et al., 2014). Environmental limitations, specifically those related to gender, are exacerbating the risk of obesity whereby women have less access to public exercise spaces, the availability of female-only facilities is limited, and there are social constraints that decrease women’s participation in physical activity (Al-Hazzaa, 2018). These environmental, infrastructural, and sociocultural factors, together, constitute a very obesogenic environment that is capable of increasing the prevalence of overweight and obesity in different age groups in Saudi Arabia ‍‌(Memish et al., 2014; Al-Nozha et al., 2005).

2.14 Socioeconomic factors

Obesity epidemic in Saudi Arabia is primarily caused by socioeconomic factors, which interact with cultural customs, rapid urbanization, and dietary changes to create unique patterns of weight-related health disparities in last several decades (Fig. 6, Table 6) (Memish et al., 2014; Al-Hazzaa, 2007; Al-Hazzaa, 2018; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2014; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2013; Al-Rukban, 2003; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2014; Musaiger & Al-Hazzaa, 2012; AlEnazi et al., 2023;El-Hazmi & Warsy, 1997; Al-Hazzaa et al., 2011; Al-Quwaidhi et al., 2014) (AlEnazi et al., 2023). In Saudi Arabia, a higher risk of obesity is associated with higher income levels as due to this is because affluent populations are becoming less active and switching from traditional diets to western-style, high-energy meals (Memish et al., 2014). Higher education is initially linked to greater health knowledge, but it is also linked to sedentary work and lifestyle modifications that may raise the risk of obesity (Al-Othaimeen et al., 2007). Due to societal norms that may hinder outdoor exercise, cultural constraints on physical activity, and a lack of sports facilities, Saudi women experience greater rates of obesity (Al-Hazzaa et al., 2011). Due to disparities in dietary surroundings, chances for physical exercise, and access to recreational facilities, obesity rates are significantly greater in urban populations than in rural ones (Al-Othaimeen et al., 2007). Obesity has spread throughout Saudi Arabia’s socioeconomic classes as a result of the country’s rapid dietary change, which is marked by rising fast food and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and falling levels of physical activity (Musaiger, 2011).

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Fig. 6.

Socioeconomic gradient and their influence in obesity among the Saudi Arabian population.

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2.15 The pathophysiology of obesity

Excessive adiposity that compromises health is the hallmark of obesity, a complicated, multifaceted illness. Energy balance system dysregulation, neuroendocrine changes, adipose tissue malfunction, and metabolic inflammation are all part of its pathogenesis (Schwartz et al., 2017) (Fig. 7, Table 7) (Schwartz et al., 2017; Morton et al., 2014; Turnbaugh et al., 2006; Sun et al., 2011; Kahn et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2003; Gregor & Hotamisligil, 2011; Samuel & Shulman, 2012; Fabbrini et al., 2010). To control hunger and energy expenditure, the central nervous system, especially the hypothalamic centers, combines peripheral signals from the gastrointestinal tract (ghrelin, GLP-1), pancreas (insulin), and adipose tissue (leptin). This homeostatic balance is upset in obesity by resistance to insulin and leptin, which increases appetite and lowers energy expenditure (Morton et al., 2014). Hypertrophy and hyperplasia cause adipose tissue to expand pathologically, resulting in fibrosis, hypoxia, and macrophage infiltration. By increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such TNF-α and IL-6, this leads to systemic insulin resistance and persistent low-grade inflammation (Hotamisligil, 2006). Metabolic dysfunction is made worse by ectopic fat accumulation in the pancreas, muscles, and liver. Other pathways include changes in the gut microbiome that improve energy harvesting, endocrine disturbances that impact stress and reproductive axis, and cardiovascular adaptations that raise the risk of atherosclerosis and hypertension (Turnbaugh et al., 2006).

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Fig. 7.

Depiction of the multisystem pathogenesis of obesity, and interplay of neuroendocrine, adipose, microbiota, and metabolic alterations driving chronic inflammation.

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2.16 Healthcare system, prevention and management of obesity

The KSA has established a comprehensive healthcare structure to address the rising challenge of obesity (World obesity federation, 2024) (Fig. 8, Table 8) (Alfadda et al., 2016; Ministry of Health, 2026; Westphal-Nardo et al., 2025; Alyousef et al., 2022; Vision 2030, 2026; Mani & Goniewicz, 2024; El Kheir et al., 2022). Combined clinical and preventive policy across primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels according to the health transformation goals of Vision 2030 (Samuel & Shulman, 2012). The health system is open to advanced bariatric surgical procedures at tertiary care hospitals, specialist obesity clinics in general hospitals offering multidisciplinary treatment, and regular BMI screening and lifestyle counseling at primary health centers (Al-Surimi et al., 2019; Alahmed & Lobelo, 2018; Alharthi, 2025). In addition, there are preventive measures such as the compulsory front-of-pack nutrition labeling, a 50% excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and the prohibition of fast-food advertising to children as part of the implementation of the public health measures (Alhelal & Tami, 2025; Alshathri et al., 2020; Al-Jawaldeh et al., 2024‍‌). Furthermore, the creation of public parks, walking paths, and women-only exercise facilities are examples of environmental changes that are intended to encourage physical activity (Al-Shehri et al., 2016; Alkhatry, 2024; Alnajjar et al., 2023). With the use of digital health technology and multidisciplinary care teams, clinical management adheres to evidence-based procedures that range from pharmaceutical therapy and lifestyle modifications to bariatric surgery for qualified patients (Aldubikhi, 2023; Alfadda et al., 2016). Ongoing health system reforms and creative solutions are being used to address issues such as cultural barriers to physical activity, regional disparities in healthcare access, and a lack of specialized obesity care professionals.

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Fig. 8.

Demonstration of key strategies for the prevention and management of obesity in the healthcare system.

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2.17 Effective models for intervention and control of obesity

and use efficient intervention models that take into account the particular cultural, social, and environmental elements causing this public health issue (Fig. 9, Table 9) (Al-Surimi et al., 2019; Alahmed & Lobelo, 2018; Alharthi, 2025; Alshathri et al., 2020; Al-Jawaldeh et al., 2024; Al-Shehri et al., 2016; Alkhatry, 2024; Alfadda et al., 2016; Singhal et al., 2021; Alzahrani, 2022; Al Saud et al., 2024). ‍‌Interdisciplinary interventions have successfully brought down the obesity rates over time in a fair number of situations. These approaches consist of medical care, participation of local people, political initiatives, and technological innovations. Following the objectives of health transformation under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the Saudi Ministry of Health has elaborated a detailed plan merging widespread prevention along with few treatments for the diseased (Samuel & Shulman, 2012). ‍‌These models also acknowledge the significance of culturally appropriate methods that adjust to Saudi food habits, address the lack of physical activity due to various barriers, and consider social norms, especially when gender-related factors are involved (Marshall et al., 2022). To ensure continuous advancement and the ability to tackle new challenges, the successful programs thus also incorporate regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms directed at measuring their effect on obesity prevalence, metabolic parameters, and quality of life indicators (International Association of National Public Health Institutes, 2019).

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Fig. 9.

Demonstration of different integrated intervention models for obesity control in Saudi Arabia.

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