Attitudes Toward Obesity, Willingness to Lose Weight, and Treatment Preferences Among Overweight and Obese Saudi Adults

BACKGROUND: Obesity has become a major health concern worldwide and is associated with several diseases and complications. Losing weight is an effective strategy to improve body mass index and prevent the complications of obesity. However, weight loss is dependent on the attitude of individuals toward obesity as well as their willingness to lose weight. AIM: To explore attitudes toward obesity, willingness to lose weight, and treatment preferences among overweight and obese Saudi adults. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among overweight and obese Saudis. We targeted adults aged 18 years and older, who visited family medicine clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City for the National Guard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted from December 2020 to June 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 403 participants, 82.5% were dissatisfied with their current body weight. Controlling chronic disease was a major motive for improving body weight (53.2%), and exercise and diet were the most preferred strategies to lose body weight. Age was a determinant in the attitude and willingness of participants to lose weight (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Participants in the current study reported high dissatisfaction rates about current weight and willingness to improve body weight. This should encourage healthcare providers to initiate weight status discussions and management with their overweight and obese clients.