Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Behaviours amongst Adolescents and Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) are significant health problems related to body image and weight dissatisfaction among adolescents and young adults worldwide. During this stage of sensitive development, these behaviours may hinder the optimal growth process and can consequently lead to wasting, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies. However, there is a limited amount of literature on DEB among Arab populations, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This review aims to assess the prevalence of EDs/DEB and to develop a clear understanding of the epidemiology of such conditions among adolescents and youth in Saudi Arabia. Five databases were systematically searched and 14 papers met the inclusion criteria. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was the predominant tool used for evaluating aberrant eating behaviours, indicating a high prevalence of EDs/DEB ranging from 10.2% to 48.1%. The highest prevalence of EDs/DEB was reported in the eastern region ranging from 29.4% to 65.5%. In terms of age and sex, the prevalence was higher among older students compared to younger school students and males reported more Eds/DEB compared to female students. These disorders are found to be prevalent in Saudi Arabia, and the risk of developing such conditions is high across the whole age range.

The Prevalence of Disordered Eating Behaviours (DEBs) among Adolescent Female School Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This was consistent with earlier and recent findings that confirmed that the prevalence and intensity of DEB increased with age [2,[25][26][27][28]49]. It was also compatible with our systematic review findings that identified an elevated risk of DEB among older Saudi students compared with younger counterparts [29]. A rationale for this distinct pattern is the age-related increase in self-consciousness, including interior and exterior aspects of self, associated with concerns of social acceptance and selfpresentation [50].…”

“…A meta-analysis assessed the level of DEB in children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years from 16 different countries, including Saudi Arabia, and found that more practices of disordered eating were reported with increasing age [ 28 ]. The findings from our systematic review, focusing specifically on Saudi Arabia, were also consistent with the age pattern and DEB, as it was noted that older university students had more DEBs (29.4–65.5%) compared with school students (10.2–42.5%) [ 29 ].…”

“…It should be noted that Saudi Arabia has undergone fast economic expansion over the last four decades, accompanied by a dramatic improvement in living standards and the adoption of a “Westernised” lifestyle characterised by unhealthy eating habits and less physical activity [ 32 ]. Our systematic review indicated that the prevalence ranged from 29.4% to 65.5% in the eastern region compared with 48.1% in the northwestern region [ 29 ]. The northern regions had the lowest prevalence (25.4%) [ 29 ].…”

“…Our systematic review indicated that the prevalence ranged from 29.4% to 65.5% in the eastern region compared with 48.1% in the northwestern region [ 29 ]. The northern regions had the lowest prevalence (25.4%) [ 29 ]. This is an increasingly important public health concern globally, and surveys in Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, confirm this concern in the context of increasing overweight and obesity in both adult and school-age populations and high levels of DEB in school-age populations [ 28 , 29 ].…”

“…That study identified that already 15.9% of female students from intermediate and secondary schools in Riyadh reported DEB [ 34 ]. We know from studies in other parts of Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries that prevalence was likely to have increased since that study and therefore a further study was warranted [ 29 ]. This piece of research presents a novelty in the world of scientific evidence, as it provides an in-depth exploratory analysis of EAT-26 scores, its subscales and the behavioural questions embedded among female adolescents in a city that has never been thoroughly explored regarding DEB.…”