Suggested interventions to alleviate weight gain among women in Saudi Arabia : a narrative systematic review study

Abstract EN

Many factors may have been influencing the development of overweight and obesity among women in Saudi Arabia.

This narrative systematic review involved articles published in English up to November 2016 and provided an examination of factors affecting weight gain, methods used by women for weight loss and suggested interventions to alleviate the problem related to obesity.

The nutrition transition period resulted in changed food habits, which tended to promote weight gain.

Limited opportunities for physical activity, culture and traditional ways during marriage and social events, effects of traditional clothes, health beliefs, or parents’ level of education may contribute to weight gain.

At the same time, social attitudes towards overweight and obesity and the influence of negative media messages promoted rapid weight loss via using very restrictive unhealthy diets, herbal product, or bariatric surgery.

The importance of controlling the crisis of weight gain among Saudi women suggests the need for early identification of modest weight gains prior to the development of more serious problems.

Active monitoring by health care professionals but, more importantly by women themselves, can lead to modifications in lifestyle, food intake, and thus, a decrease in the continuing high rates of overweight and obesity