Physical and mental health characteristics and lifestyle-related factors in a community-based sample of adults with obesity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Obesity is a prevalent public health issue in Saudi Arabia, associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the physical and mental health characteristics and lifestyle-related factors reported among adults with obesity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 385 obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, physical health conditions, mental health symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. A total of 385 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were included, with a mean age of 25.1 ± 8.9 years; 72.2% were female. The mean PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were 13.7 ± 7.6 and 11.5 ± 6.4, respectively. Severe depression and severe anxiety were reported by 44.4% and 33.5% of participants, respectively. Moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety were significantly more common among older participants and those with hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes mellitus, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, respiratory difficulties, and sleep problems (all P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression identified sleep problems as the strongest independent factor associated with both moderate-to-severe depression (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 2.3–8.7) and anxiety (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.3–7.6). Respiratory difficulties and hypertension were also independently associated with both outcomes, while frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks was independently associated with moderate-to-severe anxiety (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–5.7). Adults with obesity in this study reported a high burden of physical comorbidities, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and unhealthy lifestyle-related factors. These findings support the importance of comprehensive obesity care that includes routine assessment of both physical and psychological health.