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Obesity, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Amongst British and Saudi Youth: A Cross-Cultural Study

Author

Listed:
  • Yahya Al-Nakeeb

    (School of Human Sciences, Newman University College, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3NT, UK)

  • Mark Lyons

    (School of Human Sciences, Newman University College, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3NT, UK)

  • Peter Collins

    (School of Human Sciences, Newman University College, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3NT, UK)

  • Anwar Al-Nuaim

    (School of Human Sciences, Newman University College, Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3NT, UK)

  • Hazzaa Al-Hazzaa

    (Exercise Physiology Laboratory, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2458, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Michael J. Duncan

    (Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, James Starley Building, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK)

  • Alan Nevill

    (School of Performing Arts and Leisure, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus, Gorway Road, Walsall, WS1 3BD, UK)

Abstract

This study explores differences in weight status, obesity and patterns of physical activity (PA) in relation to gender and age of youth from two culturally, environmentally and geographically diverse countries, the United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia (SA). A total of 2,290 males and females (15–17 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants completed a validated self-report questionnaire that contained 47 items relating to patterns of PA, sedentary activity and eating habits. The questionnaire allows the calculation of total energy expenditure in metabolic equivalent (MET-min) values per week. Significant differences in percentage of overweight/obese and levels of PA were evident between the youth from the two countries, with males being generally more physically active than females. Additionally, there were significant associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), PA and sedentary behaviors; the youth with higher BMI reported lower levels of PA and higher amounts of sedentary time. These findings highlight the diverse nature of lifestyle of youth living in different geographical areas of the world and the need for further research to explore the socio-cultural factors that impact on the prevalence of obesity and patterns of PA of youth in different populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Yahya Al-Nakeeb & Mark Lyons & Peter Collins & Anwar Al-Nuaim & Hazzaa Al-Hazzaa & Michael J. Duncan & Alan Nevill, 2012. "Obesity, Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Amongst British and Saudi Youth: A Cross-Cultural Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:9:y:2012:i:4:p:1490-1506:d:17209
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Franco Sassi & Marion Devaux & Michele Cecchini & Elena Rusticelli, 2009. "The Obesity Epidemic: Analysis of Past and Projected Future Trends in Selected OECD Countries," OECD Health Working Papers 45, OECD Publishing.
    2. Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa & Hana I. Al-Sobayel & Abdulrahman O. Musaiger, 2011. "Convergent Validity of the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS) Physical Activity Questionnaire," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-11, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa & Yahya Al-Nakeeb & Michael J. Duncan & Hana I. Al-Sobayel & Nada A. Abahussain & Abdulrahman O. Musaiger & Mark Lyons & Peter Collins & Alan Nevill, 2013. "A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Health Behaviors between Saudi and British Adolescents Living in Urban Areas: Gender by Country Analyses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-20, December.
    2. Atika Khalaf & Örjan Ekblom & Jan Kowalski & Vanja Berggren & Albert Westergren & Hazzaa Al-Hazzaa, 2013. "Female University Students’ Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors—A Cross-Sectional Study in Southwestern Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Omar J. Baqal & Hassan Saleheen & Fadia S. AlBuhairan, 2020. "Urgent Need for Adolescent Physical Activity Policies and Promotion: Lessons from “Jeeluna”," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-12, June.
    4. Yahya Al-Nakeeb & Mark Lyons & Lorna J. Dodd & Anwar Al-Nuaim, 2015. "An Investigation into the Lifestyle, Health Habits and Risk Factors of Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, April.
    5. Adel A. Alhusaini & Ganeswara Rao Melam & Syamala Buragadda, 2020. "Cross-Cultural Variation in BMI, Sedentary Behavior, and Physical Activity in International School Girls Residing in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-9, March.
    6. Sonia Chaabane & Karima Chaabna & Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy & Ravinder Mamtani & Sohaila Cheema, 2021. "Barriers and Facilitators Associated with Physical Activity in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Overview," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-21, February.

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