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

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