Correlates and Levels of Physical Activity and Body Mass Index Among Saudi Men Working in Office-Based Jobs

Obesity and overweight are global public health concerns with major consequences. Physical inactivity has been repeatedly linked with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. In Saudi Arabia, approximately 60% of the entire population is considered physically inactive. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlates and burden of physical inactivity and high BMI among male office workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 395 adult Saudi males between the ages of 18 and 60 years working in governmental offices in AL Madinah. The self-administered instrument collected information regarding demographic characteristics and lifestyle practices. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. Descriptive statistics were calculated and the probabilities of being overweight/obese and physically inactive were estimated using logistic regression. Approximately two-thirds of the participating men were overweight or obese and in the low category of physical activity. Being 35 years old or above, having a least one morbidity, and not eating a healthy diet, were all factors independently associated with low level of physical activity and high BMI. Being married was also associated with High BMI in this population. This study identified Saudi males working in office-based jobs as a high-risk group for being overweight, obese, and physically inactive. The detected risk factors are modifiable and require interventions addressing the intrapersonal and the environmental factors most likely to mitigate or ameliorate the consequences of this destructive lifestyle.