Abstract
BackgroundYoung adults are at risk of developing obesity, especially when transitioning into university life as they become responsible for their daily eating and lifestyles. This study estimates the prevalence of overweight/obesity and explores the eating patterns and lifestyle practices of university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). A total of 303 students participated. Data was collected from January to April 2016. Self-designed questionnaires comprised questions pertaining to current weight, self-reported height data, information on eating habits, exercise and knowledge of the food pyramid. The collected data were used to compare and contrast eating habits and lifestyle practices among overweight/obese students with those of non-overweight/obese students.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight/obesity was 28.8% (95% CI: 24.0%, 34.0%). The majority ate regular daily meals, but more than half skipped breakfast. Frequent snacking, fried food consumption at least three times per week and low intake of daily fruits and vegetables were common. The frequency of visits to fast food restaurants was significantly higher in the overweight/obese. 25.4% of the students exercised at least three times per week. Almost all students are aware of balanced nutrition and the food pyramid.ConclusionsMost university students had poor eating habits, although the majority had good nutrition knowledge. By way of recommendation, the university is encouraged to provide a multi-disciplinary team specialising in health promotion that includes nutrition and physical activity programmes to increase the awareness among the university students.
Highlights
In 2005, a global burden of obesity stated that 33.0% of the adult population (1.3 billion people) is overweight/obese
The onset and development of obesity are most apparent during childhood [5], university students undergo a critical period when their behaviours are conducive to change often resulting in weight gain [6]
The sample size was calculated using the following equation [11]; where n is the minimum sample size required in the study, Z is the area under normal curve corresponding to the desired confidence interval used in this study, i.e. 95% CI (1.96), P is the prevalence of overweight/obese adult in Brunei Darussalam [(27.2%; Zakaria et al [2]], and D is the precision [difference between sample mean and population mean (+/– 5%)]
Summary
In 2005, a global burden of obesity stated that 33.0% of the adult population (1.3 billion people) is overweight/obese. It predicts that this percentage would likely increase to 57.8% (3.3 billion people) by the year 2030 if the trend persists [1]. In Brunei Darussalam, the reported prevalence of obesity has increased from 12% in 1996 to 27.2% in 2011. Young adults are at risk of developing obesity, especially when transitioning into university life as they become responsible for their daily eating and lifestyles. This study estimates the prevalence of overweight/obesity and explores the eating patterns and lifestyle practices of university students
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
