Dietary Practices in Relation to Body Fat Composition and Obesity among Saudi Adults

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major global health concern associated with adverse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. Dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors play a crucial role in the development of obesity; however, their combined effect on body composition and obesity risk remains insufficiently explored in regional populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 225 adults aged 20-66 years in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia. Participants were categorized according to World Health Organization body mass index criteria into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups. Data on dietary practices, lifestyle behaviors, and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Body composition parameters, including body fat mass, fat percentage, and lean body mass, were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 21.8%. Frequent consumption of fast food (>3 days/week) was strongly associated with obesity, with 50.0% prevalence among exposed individuals (P < 0.001). Energy drink and Arabic sweets intake also showed significant dose-response relationships with obesity (P ≤ 0.002). Lifestyle factors including smoking (33.3% vs. 13.2%), physical inactivity (31.9% vs. 11.6%), and hypertension (34.6% vs. 14.6%) were significantly higher among obese participants (all P ≤ 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified fast food consumption (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 9.47), physical inactivity (AOR: 3.56), and smoking (AOR: 3.29) as independent predictors of obesity. Body composition analysis revealed significantly higher fat mass and fat percentage in obese individuals (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle are significant contributors to obesity and altered body composition. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions focusing on dietary modification and physical activity promotion.