An Overview of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery: a Community-Based Study in Buraydah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background. Saudi Arabia (SA) has been widely involved in the epidemic of obesity. In 2016, World statistics showed that SA was highly ranked in obesity with a prevalence of around 34%. Management of obesity can include lifestyle changes, medications, or Bariatric Surgery (BS). BS has been shown to be effective intervention for weight loss, diabetes management, Dyslipidemia, and reducing mortality risk. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess knowledge and awareness of Buraydah Community about obesity with regards to causes and management including BS. Methods. This cross-sectional survey targeted the general population in Buraydah City, Saudi Arabia from June to July 2018. The survey covered multiple public places in Buraydah using a convenience sample (n=516). Data were collected using two tools; self-administered questionnaires and Anthropometric measurements of weight and height. The questionnaire encompassed a set of socio-demographic variables, awareness of obesity's causes and prevention and awareness of BS as a management for obesity. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test. Results. Around one fourth of the sample (24.4%) were classified to be obese, the vast majority of participants (90.5%) were unaware of their own BMI classification. Furthermore, participants generally had a good general knowledge about obesity, most of them believed that lack of physical activity was the most common cause of obesity and that engaging in sport activities is the best management of obesity. The majority of the sampled community members (78.3%) had a good knowledge about BS, whereas 21.7% of them showed positive attitude toward BS. Furthermore, Social media was the most common source of information about BS. Significant differences in knowledge about BS were limited to gender, while significant differences in attitude included age group, marital status, educational level, and classification of BMI and knowledge of self-BMI. Conclusion. Although the prevalence of obesity in Buraydah City is a little less than other regions of SA, a local strategy to compact this epidemic is needed. The option of BS for eligible cases of obesity should be addressed. Accordingly, efforts needed to educate the public about BS, which is an ultimate solution for obesity.

Knowledge and Attitude of the Public Toward Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery and Its Impact on Candidates and Patients in the Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

“…In this study of Saudi adults in the Al-Qassim Region, the BMI of nearly 43.50% (n=414) of the respondents was within the normal range, while 49.1% (n=467) were classified as overweight or obese. This prevalence is consistent with that of another study in the region that found that the prevalence of obesity and being overweight was 53.5% [ 13 ]. Further, it is consistently compared to other studies that have shown that the prevalence of obesity and being overweight were 57.7%, 40%, and 54%, respectively, among adults across Saudi Arabia [ 14 - 16 ].…”

“…Additionally, 76.50% (n=756) of them believe that the factors of an idle and lazy life, eating too much (75.60%, n=747), disease of all kinds (41.70%, n=412), stress and tension (34.60%, n=342), and psychological diseases (39.00%, n=385) can increase the risk of obesity. In comparison, our finding is consistent with those in local studies in Riyadh City published in January 2018 and in the Al-Qassim Region published in February 2019, in which the authors found that most of the respondents have a high level of knowledge about obesity’s causes and risk factors [ 13 , 16 ]. Another national study showed that the stereotype perceived most commonly was that obese individuals are lazy, which 62% of their sample endorsed [ 17 ].…”

“…The participants who strongly disagreed with negative statements about bariatric surgery (e.g., being lazy, taking the easy way out, or your quality life would be better if you did not undergo the surgery) had a significantly higher number of prior surgical experiences, indicating a positive correlation between favorable attitudes toward surgery and prior surgical history. These findings are consistent with those in previous research conducted among the Saudi adult population, in which a subset of individuals showed more positive attitudes toward bariatric surgery although the majority preferred a proper diet for weight loss [ 13 ]. This suggests that individuals who reject the prevailing negative perceptions and stereotypes associated with weight-loss surgeries may be more inclined to consider bariatric surgery as a viable option to address morbid obesity.…”

“…Further, these findings are consistent with those in another study that emphasized the importance of addressing weight-and surgery-related stigma at a larger level, stating that societal perceptions' effect extends beyond individuals who are considering bariatric surgery; it also affects patients' experiences postsurgery [25]. Our findings supported this further by showing that the participants with positive attitudes toward bariatric surgery were more likely to have undergone the operation [13,25]. This highlights the need for healthcare providers to create a supportive and non-stigmatizing environment to enhance post-surgical outcomes.…”