ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LIFESTYLE FACTORS, OBESITY, AND TYPE 2 DIABETES AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING FAMILY MEDICINE CLINICS IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity represent significant public health challenges in Saudi Arabia, particularly among women. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between lifestyle factors, obesity, and T2DM among women attending family medicine clinics.

Methods: A total of 486 women aged 18-65 years were recruited from family medicine clinics across three regions in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and clinical assessments. Lifestyle factors assessed included dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, and stress levels. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) was 42.8%, while T2DM prevalence was 23.5%. Sedentary behavior (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.68-3.57, p<0.001), poor dietary quality (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.34-2.75, p<0.001), and inadequate sleep (<7 hours) (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.12-2.23, p=0.009) were significantly associated with obesity. Obese women had 3.2 times higher odds of having T2DM (95% CI: 2.18-4.69, p<0.001). After adjusting for obesity, low physical activity (OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.21-2.56, p=0.003) and high sugar consumption (OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.28-2.65, p=0.001) remained independent predictors of T2DM.

Conclusions: Lifestyle factors are strongly associated with both obesity and T2DM among Saudi women. Targeted interventions addressing physical activity, dietary habits, and sleep patterns are urgently needed to reduce the burden of these conditions.