A Cross-sectional Study - Relationship Between Rice-based Diet and Prevalence of Obesity among Adults in University of Cyberjaya

Abstract

Background: It is evidently known that a high-fat and high-sodium dietary pattern and a sedentary lifestyle are one of many major risk factors to metabolic syndrome. However, people often overlook the association between rice-based dietary patterns and high BMI. In many Asian countries, as such in Malaysia, where their daily dietary pattern involves rice-based meals, the prevalence of obesity among adults has increased significantly over the past years. Thus, it is of our concern to investigate the association between rice-based dietary pattern and high BMI. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to study the association between rice-based and rice-dominant dietary patterns and high BMI among the adults in the University of Cyberjaya. Methodology: 180 participants, comprised of staff and students of University of Cyberjaya aged 18-65 years old were recruited through convenience sampling method. Microsoft forms and physical form questionnaire hand-outs were used to collect and organise the data. Descriptive statistical methods and chi-square were done for data analysis. Results: No significant association between rice-based dietary pattern and high BMI (P=0.349) found. However, it was observed that rice-dominant dietary pattern had a strong association with high BMI (P=0.006). Conclusion: While incorporation of rice in daily diet was not significantly associated with risk of high BMI, consuming rice dominantly as part of daily dietary pattern was strongly associated with overweight and obesity among the study population.