Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of obesity and explore the awareness and attitude toward weight loss surgery among the adult population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including a sample of 390 participants from the Jazan region. Demographic data, including age, gender, education, marital status, monthly income, and body mass index (BMI), were collected. Participants’ perceptions of obesity and weight loss surgeries were assessed through a validated questionnaire distributed via various online platforms.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.69 years, with a balanced gender distribution. The majority held a university degree (72.6%), and 51.0% were married. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 27.4% and 13.3%, respectively. Results indicated varied levels of knowledge and attitude toward weight loss surgery, with 63.6% acknowledging its effectiveness. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and education, marital status, monthly income, and BMI (p < 0.05). Concerns about surgery-related mortality and complications were prevalent among participants.
Conclusion: This study sheds light on the prevalence of obesity and the diverse attitudes toward weight loss surgery in Jazan. The findings underscore the importance of targeted health education initiatives to address misconceptions and alleviate concerns surrounding weight loss surgery.

Key words: Knowledge, attitude, background information, surgical options, obesity treatment