Anthropometric Indicators and Immune Fitness: An Exploratory Online Survey Among Adults from Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Given the limitations of body mass index (BMI) as a metric and the lack of data on the relationship between various anthropometric indices of obesity and immune fitness (IF), this study aimed at exploring the possible association between various anthropometric indicators and the immune fitness among an adult sample of the Saudi population residing in Makkah. Methods: A structured self-reported questionnaire, with questions covering age, sex, anthropometric and immune fitness assessment data, was distributed online to a convenience sample of target population. The Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ) was utilized to assess respondents’ IF over the past 12 months, while perceived momentary immune fitness (PMIF) was measured using a single-item scale. A total of 1135 responses were included in the study. Results: Overall, 530 male (46.7%) and 605 female (53.3%) respondents were included in the analysis. Of these, 478 (42.1%) had a normal BMI, and 343 (30.2%) were classified as overweight, 184 (16.2%) as obese, and 130 (11.5%) as underweight. Participants with reduced ISQ score (