Distribution and association of weight-loss diet programs with body mass index and health status among students at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Jordan

Abstract

Introduction: Many people today, even those with a healthy body mass index (BMI), misperceive their body image and attempt an unhealthy diet regimen to lose weight. The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of weight-loss diet programs among undergraduate students at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University (AHU), Jordan, and to study the association of these strategies with students’ BMI and health status. Materials and methods: 1,200 questionnaires were distributed for undergraduate students at AHU, then the data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The results show that 43.53% (8.50% males & 91.50% females) of respondents were following weight-loss diet programs. Dieting students had a significantly higher mean BMI value (25.67±2.86), compared to non-dieting students (23.23±3.70). “To look better” was found to be the most common reason for trying a weight-loss diet program. Additionally, a significant correlation (p=0.008) was found between skipping breakfast and the occurrence of irregular and painful periods among dieting students. Conclusion: Weight-loss diet programs, which involve several unhealthy practices, are widely practiced among AHU undergraduate students, leading to the development of a variety of dietary side effects. Hence, more caution must be taken when attempting weight-loss diet programs.