Spotlight*KSA: Views on Diet & Health During COVID-19

As part of the Spotlight KSA series, this report sheds light on people's changes in health, particularly with regards to their weight, exercise and diets, as a result of the pandemic. It also compares changes in Saudi Arabia vs. the rest of the world on multiple aspects.

Around 35% of the people in Saudi Arabia say that their weight has increased during the pandemic, a slightly higher figure than the global average (31%). The kingdom ranks among the top 3 countries when it comes to the amount of weight gained (8 Kg), preceded by the UK (16.8Kg) and Mexico (8.5kg).

In Saudi, 60% say that they are trying to lose weight, but only 38% is due to the pandemic. Amongst those, 52% are exercising more and 47% are either dieting or eating healthier without resorting to a diet.

A good chunk of the people (46%) believe that doing regular exercise and giving up smoking (40%) are actions that would reduce the COVID-19 symptoms.