Differences in Physical Behaviour between Obese and Normal Weight Saudi Arabian Boys and Girls: What is Worth Noting?

Objectives: As there still insufficient evidence on the physical behaviours of children who gain weight. Purpose: We aimed to gather data and investigate if any variability in physical behaviours determines whether an urban Saudi school child will be of normal weight or obese. Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study of 1023 child, aged 9.00 to 11.99 years, who divided into two groups (normal weight and obese, as classified by their BMI), and further stratified by sex. Participants in each group were randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster-sampling technique. A self-paced questionnaire was used to collect data relating to physical activities (PA) and behaviours. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was assessed in all children. Results: Children being “active” during physical education (PE) significantly differed between groups (p = 0.000), and this difference remained after being stratified by sex (boys, p = 0.000; girls, p = 0.039). Regular child activities frequency/week, i.e. jogging or running (p = 0.020), bicycling (p = 0.000), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.021), vigorous physical activity (VPA) (p = 0.000), and household work (p = 0.009), were significantly different between groups, and particularly for the boys. The best places for all children to undertake PA were at home and school. Public parks and schools were highly preferred by normal weight boys and girls, respectively. Normal weight children, especially boys, clearly indicated being very active during most recess breaks; the difference was significant (p = 0.000). Sleeping hours were not significantly different between the normal weight and obese groups, or for both genders. Conclusion: Lower levels of physical activities are common behaviours among obese children, and especially boys. There poses an increased risk of obesity that’s needs to be addressed.