Do routinely measured risk factors for obesity explain the sex gap in its prevalence? Observations from Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prevalence of adult obesity is higher in women than men in most countries. However, the pathways that link female sex with excess obesity are still not fully understood. We examine whether socioeconomic and behavioural factors may mediate the association between sex and obesity in the Saudi Arabian setting where there is female excess in obesity.

Methods

We performed a mediation analysis using a cross-sectional, national household survey from Saudi Arabia with 4758 participants (51% female). A series of multivariable regression models were fitted to test if socioeconomic position, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, diet, and smoking mediate the association between sex and obesity (BMI >=30). The findings were confirmed using causal mediation analysis.

SUBMITTER: Garawi F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4371623 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature