Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Obesity among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Background: Obesity has become a major public health concern globally, with young adults, particularly university students, being increasingly affected. Lifestyle changes during university life, including irregular dietary habits, low physical activity, prolonged sedentary behavior, poor sleep, and psychosocial stress, contribute significantly to weight gain. Understanding the risk factors associated with obesity in this population is essential for developing preventive strategies. This study aimed to assess lifestyle, dietary, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors associated with obesity among undergraduate students at the Prime Institute of Health Sciences (PIHS), Islamabad.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over two months, including 287 undergraduate students from nursing, pharmacy, paramedics, and allied health programs. A structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS instrument and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Short Form) was used to collect data on demographics, anthropometric measurements, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, and psychosocial behaviors. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by trained researchers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with quantitative variables presented as mean ± standard deviation and qualitative variables as frequencies and percentages. Associations between obesity and lifestyle or sociodemographic factors were assessed using chi-square tests and t-tests.

Results: Among participants, 28% were overweight and 15% were obese. Significant lifestyle-related risk factors included skipping breakfast, frequent consumption of fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages, low physical activity, prolonged sedentary time, poor sleep quality, and high perceived stress (p<0.05). Family history of obesity and urban residence were also associated with higher BMI.

Conclusion: Obesity among undergraduate students is influenced by multiple interrelated factors. Targeted interventions promoting balanced diets, regular physical activity, reduced sedentary behavior, improved sleep, and stress management are essential. Early implementation of health promotion strategies in university settings can reduce obesity prevalence and prevent long-term health complications.