The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. This steady growth has been accompanied by a marked change in lifestyles and habits, particularly in the nature of diet and the level of physical activity among individuals.

It is noticeable that the quantity and quality of food consumed has increased significantly, particularly fast food and high-calorie soft drinks.

Several recent studies have shown that the rate of obesity in Saudi society has increased at an alarming rate, with three out of five adults in Saudi Arabia being overweight or obese in 2019.

In 2016, one-third of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 in Saudi Arabia were overweight or obese, double the global average of 18 percent.

As one of the main pillars of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2023 is to create a vibrant Saudi society by improving population health and promoting healthy lifestyles, we at the University Center for Obesity Research conduct and support research related to obesity and its associated diseases to raise health awareness in the community and maintain a healthy workforce prepared for a prosperous future.