Overweight and obesity among Saudi university students and their relationships with various lifestyle habits: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity among Saudi university students, while the secondary aim was to explore the associations of overweight/obesity and various lifestyle habits.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023. A random sample of 420 students aged 21-26 years was selected with a male-to-female ratio of 0.99:1. The data were collected using questionnaires and anthropometric instruments. The data were analysed using the chi-square test and forward stepwise binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined using a p value of less than 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 26.4% (95% CI: 22.3%, 30.9%) and 17.1% (95% CI: 13.7%, 21.1%), respectively. Furthermore, 53.6% of the female students were overweight or obese, while 33.5% of the male students were overweight or obese. The most significant predictors of overweight or obesity were female sex, smoking status, frequent consumption of meals at restaurants and university cafeterias, regular consumption of rice and chocolate (three or more times per week), and engagement in emotional eating in response to being upset/nervous or bored.

CONCLUSION

The study's findings revealed an alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi university students. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, and psychological factors have been identified as contributing factors to this issue. Consequently, universities should implement structured health promotion programs that include nutrition education, expanded access to fitness facilities, awareness campaigns on healthy eating, and targeted strategies for obesity prevention..