Assessment of body mass index, lifestyle and health perception among female university students in Morocco.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), dietary habits, physical activity, and health perception among female university students in Morocco. The study was conducted at a Moroccan university among female students from the Faculty of Sciences Ain-Chock in Casablanca. Participants were given a self-administered questionnaire that evaluated sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, food group consumption, physical activity, and self-assessed health status. Data collection took place from February 2023 through the end of April 2023. A total of 335 students aged 18 to 29 years participated in the survey. The study revealed that 72.5% of the participants were within the normal weight range (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), while 15.9% were classified as overweight and 3.9% as obese. Additionally, 47.9% of the participants engaged in physical activity, with 30.2% dedicating more than 45 minutes to their activities. The health perception was found to be related to weight classification, with poor health perception most commonly associated with the "18.5-25" BMI range (57.8%). The study sheds light on the intricate interaction between weight, health, and lifestyle in Morocco. The frequency of normal-weight persons and active participation indicates university students' health awareness. The prevalence of overweight and obesity, on the other hand, need ongoing health measures. These findings help to build focused methods for promoting healthier lives in Morocco, utilizing educational institutions as health promotion platforms.