Assessment of Obesity and it's Relation to Other Diseases Among the Students of Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences in Albaha University, KSA

Background: Obesity has been identified an epidemic in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and yet the numbers of overweight and obese adults and children continue to grow. The disease is associated with several serious health conditions including: diabetes mellitus type 2, heart disease, high blood pressure, Cancer, Hypoxia, Sleep apnea, Hernia and Arthritis.

Objectives: To assess the effect of obesity on other diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol levels, heart disease, insomnia, eating habits, exercise and family history of gout among university students.Materials and methods: This study was done among 300 students from different departments of the Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University. The descriptive analytical method was used which is based on the interview and observation and collection of information through a questionnaire.

Results: The results showed hypertension in 11% of obese students, while 9% of them have diabetes mellitus. Further findings among these 300 students showed 7% high cholesterol level, 14% heart diseases, 20% sleep disorders, 85% do not exercise, 19% eats more than three times a day, 17% prefers fast food and 86% does not have meals with group, 15% of students have obesity in their families while 2% have the history of obesity related disease (gout).

Conclusion: Obesity is the possible predictor of diseases like hypertension, diabetes and sleep related disorders among the university students.