Physical Activity Level, Weight Categories, and Fat Distribution: A Crosssectional Study of College Students

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are growing problems worldwide, along with a decrease in physical activity. This trend is also seen in the United Arab Emirates, including insufficient exercise among university students. This study aimed to evaluate the physical activity level, weight categories, and fat distribution among female college students and determine the correlations and associations between these factors and demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional quasi-experimental study was conducted among 204 female undergraduate health profession students recruited through a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using anthropometric measurements and a self-administered International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The relationships between weight categories (Body Mass Index, BMI), fat distribution (Waist-to-Hip Ratio, WHR), and levels of physical activity, as well as the relationship between BMI and WHR, were analyzed using the PSPP statistical program. Results: The mean age of the students was 20.5 ± 1.9 years, with an average BMI of 25.4 ± 6.6 kg/m2. About 60.3% of the students were moderately active. Physical activity levels were significantly associated with BMI categories (P= 0.008). BMI and WHR categories were also significantly associated (P= 0.012). There was a strong association between students' perceived physical activity levels and their actual activity, as measured by the IPAQ short form (P= 0.001). No significant relationships were found between physical activity, anthropometrics, and demographic characteristics Conclusion: Female college students demonstrated moderate levels of physical activity, and a negative correlation was detected between their physical activity levels and weight categories. None of the studied demographics showed a correlation or association.