| Popis: |
The present study objective was to measure the prevalence of obesity and assess body fatness among college students in Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia, and to explore associated dietary behaviors. A sample of 314 adult college students (236 females and 78 males) was recruited, and the prevalence of obesity was measured by assessing body composition using bioelectrical impendence technique. Dietary behaviors were examined to elaborate their relevance to obesity by using a self- administered questionnaire. Study results revealed that 25.6 % and 14.4% of the subjects were overweight and obese, respectively. Females were at increased risk for both high risk waist-hip ratio (WHR) (p=0.000) and high body fat percent (BF%) (p =0.004). Dietary behaviors varied across gender and BMI groups, with males preferring dining out, eating fast foods, and carbonated beverages as compared to females who preferred dining with family, snacking on potato chips, chocolates, cakes, sweets and drank more caffeinated beverages. Both genders were at risk for dietary behaviors like eating less fruits and vegetables. Snacking was inversely associated with overweight and obesity (p =0.05) while drinking caffeinated beverages was positively linked (p =0.043). Skipping breakfast (p=0.006), low consumption of fruits (p =0.012), and frequent restaurant visits (p =0.027) were significantly associated with prevalence of high BF%. Results from this study highlight the importance of early identification and correction of the unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors contributing to the high prevalence of obesity in young adults. |
