Macro-nutrient consumption and body weight status of university students

Abstract

Objectives: The objective this study was to find out the prevalence of over-weight and obesity and the associated food consumption parameters among the university students. Materials and methods: University students in the age range 17 – 25 years were conveniently enrolled from the campus based on their willingness and availability. This study was approved from the IIUM Research Ethics Committee, (IREC) approval ID No IREC 2018-195. In total 456 students were assessed for weight status and were categorized as under-weight, normal weight, over-weight and obese based on the WHO criteria. Furthermore, their energy, macronutrients consumption and food frequencies were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed and association of these parameters with body weight was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results and findings: Among the students 60 were under-weight, 276 were normal weight, 96 were over-weight and 24 were obese. There was imbalance in the energy and macronutrients intakes. Food frequency of fruits and vegetables was lowest. There was significant (p<0.001) association of energy and macronutrients consumption to the body weight status of the students.