Cross-sectional Associations between Lifestyle Factors and Obesity among Students in a University at Gyeonggi Province

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the associations between lifestyle factors and obesity among university students.Methods: In this cross-sectional correlational study, 671 students completed measures of lifestyle factors (dietary habit, exercise, smoking, and alcohol drinking), health concern, academic stress, and anthropometric indices. Obesity was classified by body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference (AC). The data were analyzed with χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression.Results: The frequencies of obesity and abdominal obesity were higher in male students than in female students (17.6% vs. 3.4% by BMI, 18.9% vs. 5.9% by AC). Abdominal obesity in students with diabetic parent was higher (16.8%) than in students without diabetic family history (9.2%). Obesity of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 associated with breakfast absence of 5-7 times/week (odds ratio, OR: 1.98, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.05-3.71). Abdominal obesity associated with instant foods intake of 5-7 times/week (OR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.14-6.17), fast foods intake of 3-4 times/week (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.48-5.56), snacks of 3-4 times/wk (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.15-4.00), and consumed alcohol of ≥ 1 glass a day (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.19-3.73).Conclusions: Breakfast absence is associated with obesity. Instant foods, fast foods, snacks, and alcohol consumption are the associated factors with abdominal obesity among university students.