Background: Childhood obesity is a global public health concern with major consequences. In Saudi Arabia, the percentage of children who are overweight or obese has significantly increased in the past two decades raising concerns about the physical and psychosocial consequences of this burden.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over six months. The study sample included 1000 children of Saudi nationality aged 2–14 years. Body weight and height of these children were measured, and BMI was calculated. The children were classified into four weight categories: underweight (BMI less than the 5th percentile for age and sex), normal weight (BMI between the 5th and 84th percentiles), overweight (BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles), and obese (BMI more than the 95th percentile). The weight categories were then studied according to sex and age (2–4 years, 5–9 years, and 10–14 years).

Results: In boys and girls, the prevalence of overweight were 11.11% and 15.2% and those of obesity were 13.5% and 24.3%, respectively. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were higher among girls than boys. Additionally, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were the highest in the 10–14-year group.