The prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst hypertensive and diabetic adult patients in primary health care

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst hypertensive and diabetic adult patients in primary health care centers, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of 3186 adult hypertensive and diabetic patients in 10 primary health care centers in Riyadh, from August to October 1999.

RESULTS: Nineteen percent of the patients were their ideal weight (body mass index < 25 kg/m2), while 35% were overweight (body mass index 25-29.9 kg/m2). Forty one percent were moderately obese (body mass index 30-40 kg/m2) and 5% were morbidly obese (body mass index > 40 kg/m2).

CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity are coexisting risk factors amongst hypertensive and diabetic adult patients, and are an important focus for treatment and prevention of high blood pressure and diabetes.