Prevalence of overweight and obesity among police officers in Riyadh City and risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the prevalence of overweight and obesity and increases in associated diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in the Saudi population, no studies have addressed the spread of obesity among Saudi police officers. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and associations with biochemical parameters among the police in Riyadh.MethodThe study involved a cross-sectional survey of 160 police officers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profiles and fasting blood sugar levels were measured for all individuals.ResultsAccording to the results, the average body mass index (BMI) was 27.5 ± 5.1, indicating an increase in overweight in this population and 66.9% were overweight or obese. Moreover, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were 119.5 and 79.4 mmHg, respectively, within normal limits. The mean total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels were 187.5, 43.9, 119.5 and 124.5 mg/100 ml, respectively.DiscussionThese BMI and biochemical findings suggest a high proportion of overweight and obese individuals in the sample population, as well as an increase in the proportion of individuals with high levels of biochemical indicators who are therefore susceptible to heart disease and diabetes.ConclusionThe study recommends using preventive programs to combat obesity and overweight and related diseases and conducting further studies using measures other than BMI.

Prevalence of Obesity and Hypertension and Related Factors among Bank Employees in Zahedan, 2017

“…Previous evidence indicates that stressful jobs, along with low physical activity, are important risk factors for hypertension 4 and obesity. 1,2 In this study, about half of the employees (49.1%) were overweight and 10.1% were obese. This is in agreement with the findings of other studies in which the prevalence rate of obesity in bankers and other sedentary jobs was found to be higher.…”

“…According to epidemiological studies, long work hours, 1 sedentary lifestyle, [2][3][4] and stressful jobs [1][2][3] are considered as important contributors to obesity and hypertension.…”

“…Obesity, as the sixth risk factor causative to disease in the worldwide, 5 is defined as fat accumulation in the abnormal or excessive pattern in adipose tissue, which may cause several serious health concerns, including some noncommunicable chronic diseases such as chronic vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, fatty liver, and cancer. 1,6 Both generalized and abdominal obesity are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. 7 The prevalence rates of obesity 8 and hypertension 8,9 are rising continually worldwide and in developing countries including Iran.…”

Prevalence of generalized and abdominal obesity in police worker - A cross-sectional study

“…Similar findings also observed by Alghamdi and Mohammed. [15] The high prevalence of obesity among police officers in this study may be attributable to poor levels of health and nutritional awareness, increased intake of fatty foods and sugars, and a low level of physical activity. 24 h rotation duty of police worker disturbed their sleep pattern leads to irritability and stress.…”

Body mass index in a group of security forces (policemen). Cross-sectional study

“…In all countries, the police play a role of primary importance to ensure the social stability required for the healthy development of society itself. This staff, when doing a speci ic job, has a high prevalence of obesity that is related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle [1].…”