Abstract: Over the last few decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has experienced rapid soci... more Abstract: Over the last few decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has experienced rapid socio-cultural changes caused by the accelerating economy of the Arabian Gulf region. This was associated with major changes in food choices and eating habits, which became progressively more “Westernized”. Such a “nutritional transition” has been claimed to be responsible for the rising rates of overweight and obesity recently observed among the Saudi population. The prevalence of obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia is 24.7% in 2020. However, the roles of psychology in obesity management and the assessment of metabolic surgery are not clear. This study aims to identify the number of referrals for Eating Disorders (ED) and obesity, the management and level of availability of ED specialists as reported by healthcare staff, and the use of mental health services in treating EDs and obesity. A total of 15 health services in SA were surveyed and 123 questionnaires completed by health professionals. Participants were asked to respond to a written survey that included questions regarding the number of referrals for EDs and obesity and the available treatment, as well as body mass index criteria for metabolic surgery and the number of patients referred for these procedures. Findings revealed that all EDs are equally prevalent in diverse cultures. Although the result showed that the obesity rate is high, there is limited psychological intervention. There is a requirement for specialised ED training, a need to identify a conceptual framework to provide evidencebased management and increase the levels of involvement of psychiatric professionals in the management of obesity.
Amnah Alsabbah Msc ED & Clinical Nutrition, Apr 15, 2022
This paper describes data on available health care professionals treating patients with eating di... more This paper describes data on available health care professionals treating patients with eating disorders and obesity in Saudi Arabia and the availability of specialised eating disorders and obesity resources. In this manuscript we are presenting the data obtained from studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and other non-westernized countries during 2017 and before. The database is a useful resource for establishing current statutes and providing bases for future policies and funds.
Background: In developing countries (DCs) such as Saudi Arabia (SA), previous studies have consid... more Background: In developing countries (DCs) such as Saudi Arabia (SA), previous studies have considered EDs to be rare and related to westernised culture, where a thin physique is idolised. However, the rapid transition in lifestyles in DCs makes it reasonable to hypothesise that ED prevalence may be rising in these countries. Similarly, studies in SA show that obesity levels are increasing. However, studies that include the role of psychology for obesity management or in the assessments for metabolic surgeries (MS) are lacking. These deficiencies urge to measure this phenomenon in SA and develop additional management strategies for these disorders. A survey was designed to evaluate the number of referrals for EDs and obesity, the management and level of availability of ED specialists as reported by health care staff and the use of mental-health services in treating EDs and obesity. Methods: A total of 15 health services in SA were surveyed and a total of 123 survey questionnaires wer...
Abstract: Over the last few decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has experienced rapid soci... more Abstract: Over the last few decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has experienced rapid socio-cultural changes caused by the accelerating economy of the Arabian Gulf region. This was associated with major changes in food choices and eating habits, which became progressively more “Westernized”. Such a “nutritional transition” has been claimed to be responsible for the rising rates of overweight and obesity recently observed among the Saudi population. The prevalence of obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia is 24.7% in 2020. However, the roles of psychology in obesity management and the assessment of metabolic surgery are not clear. This study aims to identify the number of referrals for Eating Disorders (ED) and obesity, the management and level of availability of ED specialists as reported by healthcare staff, and the use of mental health services in treating EDs and obesity. A total of 15 health services in SA were surveyed and 123 questionnaires completed by health professionals. Participants were asked to respond to a written survey that included questions regarding the number of referrals for EDs and obesity and the available treatment, as well as body mass index criteria for metabolic surgery and the number of patients referred for these procedures. Findings revealed that all EDs are equally prevalent in diverse cultures. Although the result showed that the obesity rate is high, there is limited psychological intervention. There is a requirement for specialised ED training, a need to identify a conceptual framework to provide evidencebased management and increase the levels of involvement of psychiatric professionals in the management of obesity.
Amnah Alsabbah Msc ED & Clinical Nutrition, Apr 15, 2022
This paper describes data on available health care professionals treating patients with eating di... more This paper describes data on available health care professionals treating patients with eating disorders and obesity in Saudi Arabia and the availability of specialised eating disorders and obesity resources. In this manuscript we are presenting the data obtained from studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and other non-westernized countries during 2017 and before. The database is a useful resource for establishing current statutes and providing bases for future policies and funds.
Background: In developing countries (DCs) such as Saudi Arabia (SA), previous studies have consid... more Background: In developing countries (DCs) such as Saudi Arabia (SA), previous studies have considered EDs to be rare and related to westernised culture, where a thin physique is idolised. However, the rapid transition in lifestyles in DCs makes it reasonable to hypothesise that ED prevalence may be rising in these countries. Similarly, studies in SA show that obesity levels are increasing. However, studies that include the role of psychology for obesity management or in the assessments for metabolic surgeries (MS) are lacking. These deficiencies urge to measure this phenomenon in SA and develop additional management strategies for these disorders. A survey was designed to evaluate the number of referrals for EDs and obesity, the management and level of availability of ED specialists as reported by health care staff and the use of mental-health services in treating EDs and obesity. Methods: A total of 15 health services in SA were surveyed and a total of 123 survey questionnaires wer...
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