Fruit and Vegetable Intake, Physical Activity, and Body Weight Status in Saudi Arabia: Analysis of Multiple National Data Sources and Implications for Public Health

Abstract

Background: Healthy dietary behaviors and physical activity support health throughout life. Poor diet, excess body weight and low physical activity contribute to noncommunicable diseases and premature death. This study compared estimates of fruit and vegetable intake, weight status, physical activity and sedentary time by year, age, sex and region in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This secondary analysis used estimates from four national datasets produced by the General Authority for Statistics. The datasets covered diet and body weight in 2023 and 2024, and physical activity in 2024 and 2025. Percentages and sedentary time were examined according to the population and indicator definitions in each source.
Results: In 2024, 90.65% of Saudi nationals aged 15 years and older reported fewer than five daily fruit and vegetable servings. Overweight affected 42.26% and obesity 23.86%. Together, overweight and obesity affected 66.12%. Obesity peaked at ages 65-69 years (39.11%). Regional prevalence ranged from 14.08% to 27.88%. Among all residents aged 18 years and older, 41.50% fell below the activity threshold in 2024 and 40.95% in 2025. At ages 5-17 years, the corresponding proportions were 81.30% and 81.05%. In 2025, 56.94% of women and 33.55% of men fell below the threshold. The adult sex gap widened from 17.70 to 23.39 percentage points. Adult activity estimates declined in nine of the 13 regions. Women reported more sitting time than men in both years. The means were 6.20 versus 5.70 hours in 2024 and 5.32 versus 5.07 hours in 2025.
Conclusions: Low fruit and vegetable intake, excess weight, and low physical activity were prevalent among Saudi nationals. Among all residents, most children and adolescents fell below the activity threshold. The adult sex gap widened, and women reported more sitting time than men. Prevention should address healthy diet, weight control, physical activity and sedentary time together, with programs tailored to age and sex.