The association between strenuous physical activity and obesity in a high and low altitude populations in southern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between obesity and strenuous physical activity in Saudi nationals living at high and low altitude.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional randomized study.

SUBJECTS: A total of 437 healthy adult Saudi nationals born and living permanently at high altitude (3150 m) and 468 healthy adult Saudi nationals born and living permanently at relatively low altitude 500 m).

MEASUREMENTS: Body Mass Index (Weight (kg)/height (m2)) strenuous activity scores using Lipid Research Clinic Questionnaire. Resting radial pulse rate (beats/min).

RESULTS: Strenuous physical activity was significantly and inversely associated with obesity in men at both high (chi 2 = 7.13, P < 0.05) and low (chi 2 = 6.14, P < 0.05) altitude but there was no clear trend for women at either altitude. The lack of association between strenuous physical activity and obesity in women was attributed to the low and homogeneous levels of strenuous physical activity.

CONCLUSION: Strenuous physical activity should be encouraged as strategy directed towards weight reduction in obese as well as prevention of obesity in Saudi high and lowlanders.