Eslam A. Header

Digestive Discomforts and Effect of Ingested Food in People Performing Hajj

Abstract: A variety of health issues have been investigated in the Hajj pilgrims (HPs) in KSA. However, it is still obscure to decide which meals contribute to health related issues specifically gastrointestinal disorders and allergies. Hence present study was planned to compare the effect of using different meals on GIT disorders and allergies. The data was categorized into two groups. Group 1 of age matched HPs comprised a Functional Digestive System Questionnaire (FDSQ) to study digestive disorders. Group 2 HPs were compared for those received Toafa Corporation Meals (TCM) and those did not received Toafa Corporation Meals (NTCM). The FDSQ showed some of the gastrointestinal symptoms in male and female Hajj pilgrims differing significantly (p<0.05). The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by subject recovery scoring (SRS). The 61.7% HPs taking TCM revealed various discomforts and food allergy and the 50.6% HPs using NTCM did not suffer from any disorders. However, the pilgrims taking the meals provided by the Toafa corporation but not showing allergy were more significant in number (p=0.0002). The existing study presents a new method (construction of a FDSQ) for comparing gastrointestinal and other disorders. The present study recommends that Toafa Corporation should provide suitable meals for the pilgrims to meet their actual needs during Hajj and health situation.

Trends in Overweight or Obesity and other Anthropometric Indices in Adults Aged 18-60 Years in Western Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased considerably in Saudi Arabia in the past two decades. We conducted this study because to examine trends in weight gain with age and related anthropometric measurements in Saudi Arabia such data are limited. OBJECTIVE To determine trends in overweight and obesity and examine anthropometric indices by age group. DESIGN Analytical cross-sectional study. SETTING Universities, malls, and hospitals in the cities of Mecca, Jeddah, and Al-Taif. METHODS Participants were selected by convenience sampling. Body weight, body fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage were measured with the Omron body composition monitor device. Waist circumference, height, and body mass index (BMI) were also measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Changes in BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, and skeletal muscle with age for both genders. RESULTS We selected 2548 Saudis, 1423 males and 1125 females, aged 18 to 60 years. A significant trend (ptrend<.001) for BMI and all anthropometric indices was observed with age for both genders. About 55.1% of the participants were overweight and obese (BMI>25 kg/m2). Obesity and overweight were more prevalent in men than in women and was observed early in both genders, at the ages of 18–19 in men and 30–39 years for women. In the age range of 40–60 years, muscle mass dropped significantly (P<.05) for both genders. Mean waist circumference and visceral fat were significantly (P<.001) higher in men than in women, but the mean total body fat percentage was higher in females than in males (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Significant trends were observed for BMI, WC, body fat, visceral fat, and muscle mass for both genders with age. National programs should be maintained to encourage physical activity and weight reduction as well as focusing on obesity-related lifestyle and behaviors at early ages to prevent weight gain and possibly muscle wasting with age. LIMITATIONS There was an unequal distribution in numbers of subjects between study groups. Convenience sampling was used to recruit the participants.