Aljaaly, EAM; (2012) Factors affecting nutritional status and eating behaviours of adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

The objective of this study is to find out whether a reduction in body weight will reduce health risk factors. To fulfil this objective an intervention study has been conducted among Saudi obese females in the childbearing age (18-45). Interview questionnaires were completed in the intervention and non-intervention group to collect baseline data; the intervention group has undergone a specific diet regimen, physical exercise and nutrition programme. Vital signs including heart rate (PS) and blood pressure (BP) for both groups were recorded at the beginning of the study and after the intervention. Blood biochemical investigations were conducted between both groups at the beginning of the study and after the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 10). Results showed that baseline data of both intervention and non-intervention group were similar in relation to anthropometrics measurements and BMI. A significant difference was found at day 60 between the intervention and non-intervention group in weight and BMI. Analysis of biochemical variables showed insignificant statistical differences at day -60 in total cholesterol, LDL, and FBS. A statistical difference was found between the intervention and non-intervention group at day-60 in relation to the studied vital signs, systolic and diastolic BP A remarkable change in participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices was observed among the intervention group between day-1 and day-60. For example being a yo-yo dieter was reported by 85.2% of the group in day-1 and by 14.81% in day-60 and eating outside was reported by 81.5% in day-1 and by 18.5% in day-60. In conclusions, the use of a combined intervention programme of diet, physical exercise and health education is effective in weight reduction. Regular assessment of vital signs (PS and BP), biochemical laboratory investigations (CHOL, HDL, LDL, TG and FBS) are feasible tools for follow up and early detection of obesity complications. A sustained reduction in body weight is one of the preventive measures to avoid obesity complications. Despite the efforts done during this study, some limitations such as the small sample size and the short duration of intervention can be considered.

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