Overweight Students Research Articles

The impacts of free school lunch policies on adolescent BMI and mental health: Evidence from a natural experiment in South Korea

In spring 2015, the South Korean province of South Gyeongsang stopped providing free school lunches to primary and secondary school students while large portions of schools in other provinces continued to provide free lunches at school. After the provincial government faced strong opposition, South Gyeongsang reintroduced the free-school-lunch program the very next year. Using a difference-in-differences design, we exploit these policy changes to evaluate their impact on students' body mass index (BMI) and on a measure related to students’ mental health status (MH). Our results show that the abolishment of free school lunches harmed (female) underweight students by causing additional weight losses of about 4.5 percent whereas the reintroduction of free school lunches led to an average weight loss of 2.1 percent among overweight students (both male and female). Moreover, the school lunch policy changes had significant impacts on our MH measure: crying without any reason increased when the free-school-lunch policy was abolished and it decreased when the policy was reintroduced. The results are of great interest to decision makers: introducing free school lunches helps to achieve healthier weights and decreases crying without any reason and as a result, benefits student welfare. Free-school-lunch policies, therefore, may provide simple and inexpensive means to improve the health and welfare of students.

Do the Castilian-Manchego University Students Follow a Mediterranean Diet?

Objective: To determine the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of a university population and to analyze various factors that could condition its nutritional quality. Material and Methods: Distribution of the kidmed test to a sample of 50 university students. The kidmed index (0 to 10) indicated whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low (0 to 3), average (4 to 6), or high (7 to 10). Each respondent recorded sex, age, weight, size and province of origin. Results: The sample was 33 males and 17 females aged between 18 and 25 years. 9.5% of university students had a low kidmed index, 62.1% intermediate and 28.4% high. Overweight university students had a significantly higher percentage of low adherences (15.5%) (p < 0.05) than those with a normal nutritional status (8.5%). Conclusion: 71.6% of university students needed to improve their food pattern (medium-low adherence to the Mediterranean diet). Students with low adherence had a higher risk of being overweight. It would be desirable to develop nutritional education programmes in university curricula.

Impact of the Intake of Snacks and Lifestyle Behaviors on Obesity among University Students Living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Unhealthy eating habits increase the risk of obesity. This study investigated the association between obesity and the intake of snacks and lifestyle behaviors among university students in Saudi Arabia. The study included 662 students aged 18–29 years, studying at King Abdulaziz University. An online survey collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, height, and weight, to calculate body mass index (BMI), lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits, and snack intake. The prevalence of overweight and obese students was 18.6% and 12.7%, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors had insignificant effects on obesity. Obese students consumed two meals daily and more cereals during breakfast. Non-obese students consumed more beverages at breakfast and had their daily meals with their families. The frequency of intake of snacks had an insignificant effect on obesity. However, obese students had a significantly higher intake of potato chips, popcorn, and biscuits, while non-obese students had a significantly higher intake of salads compared with obese students. Students consumed significantly less fruit and vegetables, chocolate, biscuits, nuts, and dairy products as snacks when inside the university compared to outside. To reduce obesity among students, universities should ensure access to healthy snacks, and provide health education programs to encourage healthy eating habits and lifestyles.

The Association Between Spiritual Wellbeing and Dietary Intake Among Overweight and Obese Female University Student: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity has become a public health threat worldwide and processing a high burden to the healthcare system. This study aimed to determine the association between spiritual wellbeing and dietary intake among overweight and obese female students in a university in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 100 female students from a public university in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia. The participants are selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Spiritual wellbeing is measured using an adapted and validated spirituality questionnaire, while the dietary intake was calculated using a 24-hour dietary intake questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23 and Nutritionist Pro. Pearson correlation is applied to measure the association between spiritual wellbeing and dietary intake. Results: Spiritual wellbeing was negatively correlated with dietary intake (r= -0.026, p=0.797). The results showed no significant association between spiritual wellbeing and dietary intake (p>0.05). Conclusion: To conclude, there is no significant association between spiritual wellbeing and dietary intake among overweight and obese female students. Future research could add other variables such as the micronutrients and macronutrients into the study can help to get a more significant result. Besides, a large-scale study is also warranted to observe the association between spiritual wellbeing and dietary intake among overweight and obese female university students in Malaysia.

ASSESSMENT OF CARDIO-RESPIRATORY FITNESS OF DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Cardiorespiratory fitness shows the overall cardiovascular, pulmonary fitness capacity and the ability to carry out prolonged exercises.The current study was conducted to examine the Physical Fitness Index in young female physiotherapy students using the Modified Harvard Step Test. OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to assess the Physical Fitness Index in female undergraduate Doctor Of Physical Therapy students. METHODS:Cross-sectional study was used. The sample size was 200 physiotherapystudents. Participants were selected through the Non-Probability Convenient sampling technique. Height (m) and Weight (kg) were measured to calculate BMI.The Modified Harvard Step test was used to calculate the Physical Fitness Index. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The current studyshows that the Mean age of the participants was 21.53 ±1.83 with a minimum age of 17 years and maximum age of 26 years.4.5 %( n=9) students have excellent PFI, 13 %( n=26) students have Good PFI, 15 %( n=31) students have Fair PFI and 67 %( n=134) students have poor PFI. CONCLUSION:The physical fitness of physiotherapy students at Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences is inadequate, and overweight students have lower physical fitness than students with normal BMI.

Telerehabilitation as a Tool Given on Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Overweight and Obese College Students Amidst Covid 19 Pandemic: Single Group Pre Post Design

Background: Remote rehabilitation via advanced communications through network, online etc given in thisadvanced digital era is collectively known as telerehabilitation. American telemedicine association initiallyexplained the term of telerehabilitation based on the facilities in current advance digital world. Covid -19 pandemicenhanced the services of telerehabilitation as first line rehabilitation treatment method that need rehabilitationsservices in their domicile. Thus based on telerehabilitation has been warranted to administer in providing physicaltherapy services for subjects who have been diagnosed both positive and negative COVID.Aim & objectives of the study: To analyze the uses of exercise training through telerehabilitation applied duringCOVID-19 isolation period on overweight and obese college students on physical fitness and quality of life.Data Analysis and Results: Notable improvement in the variables of weight in kg and Body Mass Index (BMI) inobese and overweight as well as their quality of life which is measured by SF – 36 questionnaire in college studentsafter rehabilitation through telerehabilitation method where the subjects were trained with aerobic exercises,breathing exercises along with core stability exercises on physical fitness and quality of life with significance equalor less than 0.05 and confidence interval at 95%.Conclusion: statistically significant improvement in weight in kg and BMI which reflected in their physical fitnessand quality of life (SF – 36) in overweight and obese college students after the intervention of telerehabilitationconsists of aerobic exercises, breathing exercises and core stability exercises applied to them during this COVID19 Pandemic.

Quality of life assessment among obese and overweight students at Taibah University

Background: Overweight and obesity are major public health issues. Saudi Arabia is considered among the nations with the highest overweight and obesity prevalence rates. Thus, this study aimed to assess how overweight and obesity affect the quality of life (QoL) of Taibah University students. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted through students' WhatsApp groups and social media. The Arabic version of the "The World Health Organization quality of Life Brief Questionnaire" was used as a measurement tool to assess QoL. The questionnaire included questions about the sociodemographic data, presence of medical or mental illnesses, and weight and height. Results: The participants of this study included 739 Taibah University students, both females (80.6%) and males (19.4%). Half of the participants had a normal body mass index (BMI), 18.89% of the participants were underweight, 15.22% were overweight, and 12.36% were obese. Most of the participants were healthy except for 7.3%, who had medical diseases and 4.2% had mental illnesses. Significant statistical differences were found in the psychological, social, and environmental domains between different BMI groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the physical health domain. Conclusion: There was a significant impairment in the psychological, social, and environmental domains of the QoL of students suffering from overweight and obesity, while no significant impairment was detected in the physical health domain.

Awareness and Features of PCOS in Students of AlMaarefa University 2019 – 2020

Background: PCOS affects all women of reproductive age, especially adolescents. In KSA, the estimated prevalence of PCOS is 53.7%. The feasibility of conducting such a study justifies the need for providing an opportunity for early detection and prevention of morbidities among adolescents. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the awareness and features of PCOS in students of AlMaarefa University, Riyadh. Methods: It is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study design of 216 female students based on a questionnaire consisting of 3 sections: demographic data, knowledge and quality of lifestyle. All data was cleaned, coded, and entered using SSPS. Result: It was found that 64% of PCOS cases had positive family history compared to 32% of non- PCOS students and 11% of those who were not tested for PCOS. (p-value: 0.000). Regarding overweight students, most of them are not tested students 11%, coming after 8% with PCOS and 2% with non-PCOS. It was found that 21% of medical students have excellent knowledge of PCOS symptoms compared with 6.5% of other specialties. Conclusion: Students with a positive family history are more likely to get PCOS. Excellent level of knowledge regarding PCOS was highly associated with the medical field of the students. Keywords: PCOS, Awareness, features, students, AlMaarefa University

Prevalence of the Alarming Symptoms of Eating Disorders Among KSAU-HS Students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Eating disorders are considered one of the severe major illnesses which may lead to serious conditions and possibly fatality. They cause severe disturbances in a persons eating behaviours. Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of symptoms of eating disorders among medical students at the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS)who were at the basic science level. Results: Of the 249 students, 75.1% were males. 44.2% of the students were either overweight or obese. The prevalence of students with symptoms of eating disorders according to the EAT-26 questionnaire was 26.5%. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of eating disorders in terms of age and gender. Conclusion: The prevalence of eating disorders with symptoms among medical students was 26.5%. Eating disorders(ED) were widely prevalent in overweight or obese students but there was no significance in terms of age and gender. A call for future research that could support and expand the understanding of the prevalence of ED in our region and what factors cause it to be warranted. Keywords: Eating disorder, EAT-26, prevalence, KSAU-HS students

An Examination of Longitudinal Changes in Korean Middle School Students’ Psychological Health According to Their Body Mass Index and Weekly Exercise Hours

Background: It is necessary for adolescents to maintain proper body mass index (BMI) and regular exercise for proper growth, development, and psychological health. Existing studies have demonstrated the significant positive effect of regular physical activity or exercise on preventing socio-psychological problems and cognitive body image issues in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes in psychological health factors of mental health, self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy according to BMI and weekly exercise hours among Korean middle school students. Methods: Cohort data were obtained from the Gyeonggi Institute of Education for three years (2015–2017), and a total of 16,027 data points were analyzed. We performed a repeated-measures analysis of variance (3 grades × 4 body mass index groups × 5 weekly exercise hours groups) using SPSS software (version 21.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) for data analysis. Results: The results obtained through the analysis are as follows. As school grades rose among Korean middle school students, psychological health factors such as mental health, self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy decreased. And the deterioration of psychological health factors showed lower positive results for normal and underweight students than for overweight and obese students. Students with a lot of exercise time every week showed a lower decrease in psychological health factors. Conclusions: The results suggest that education for health promotion, considering body mass index and daytime exercise, is necessary to prevent the deterioration of psychological health factors in Korean middle school students.

Implementation of Health-preserving Technologies in the Process of Physical Education of Students with Type 2 Diabetes in Higher Education Establishments

Aim: To identify, select the methods and to apply technologies to preserve the health of students with type 2 diabetes in the process of physical education in higher educational establishments. Materials and Methods: 1-2 year students of Zaporizhzhia National University of different specialties took part in the research. The main criterion for selecting the study participants was the presence of “type 2 diabetes” diagnosis. The study involved 9 people (6 females, 3 males). The assessment of physical condition and level of physical development of study participants was conducted at the beginning and the end of the study. Results: The main factors influencing health, general physical condition, level of development of physical qualities of students with a diabetes mellitus of 2 types are defined, namely: a mode and a diet of a improving food of patients with a diabetes mellitus of 2 types, a mode and volume of liquid consumption, regular, dosed exercise. The main principles of physical activity selection for students with type 2 diabetes mellitus (individuality, regularity, gradualness) and physical activity tasks are clarified, such as: increasing glucose utilization, improving the work of endocrine glands, ensuring oxidative-enzymatic processes that occur under the influence of physical activity, increasing the level of physical qualities, improving the functional state of the muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular systems, preventing the development of micro- and macroangiopathy. Conclusions: Reliable results of the use of health technologies in the process of physical education of students with type 2 diabetes, which had a positive effect on such indicators as: fasting blood sugar, weight loss of overweight students, the level of development of physical qualities. Prospects for further research in this area are identified, which are to find ways to increase motivation for practical training in physical education and implementation of recommendations for health nutrition of students with type 2 diabetes.

Massive perspective: Lived experiences of obese and overweight students in Cainta Senior High School Rizal, Philippines

A growing body of literature is pointing out that obese and overweight adolescents are subjected to serious and prevalent physical, social, medical, and psychological consequences. To provide richer literature about the lived experiences of obese and overweight students, this qualitative study was conducted. This phenomenological study aims to explore the lived experiences of obese and overweight students (OOS) in Cainta Senior High School. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather data from eight purposively-chosen respondents. Collaizi’s seven-step method was then utilized to analyze the data collected from focus group discussion (FGD). Data explicitation revealed the development of four themes. It may be helpful to educate individuals involved in stigma reduction interventions such as teachers, friends, and/or family members. Establishing a Fitness Club which will involve OOS to ensure the adequacy of physical activities in school is imperative. For future researchers, a qualitative study must also be done on why losing weight is difficult. Keywords: Lived experiences; obese; overweight; phenomenology.

Association of Blood Pressure with Overweight in Young Adult Student

Background: Obesity and overweight in young adult is rising & its deleterious health hazard is becoming a major threat now a days. It is one of the major public health problems globally. Overweight may cause metabolic and endocrinological changes. If untreated, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, cancer may occur. Hypertension is more common in obese and overweight people. This study aimed to observe the association of blood pressure with overweight in young adult students.
 Materials and methods: This case control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram. Total 120 students, aged between 18-24 years were included in the study. 60 young adult students with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25- 29.9kg/m2 were included in case group as overweight subject and 60 students of same age with a BMI of 18.5- 24.9kg/m2 were taken as a control group. General physical examination was done, anthropometric measurements- Height, weight, BMI and pulse, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Pulse Pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure were calculated. For statistical analysis unpaired student’s ‘t’ test, chisquare test and correlation coefficient were done by using SPSS for windows version-25.
 Results: Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) were significantly high in overweight (Case) students (p<0.001). Frequency of prehypertension was more in overweight group (p<0.001) comparing to normal weight group. Significant positive correlations (p<0.05) were observed among BMI with SBP, DBP and MAP in overweight young adult students.
 Conclusion: According to present results it was concluded that apparently healthy overweight young adult students were associated with increased blood pressure than normal weight students.
 JCMCTA 2021 ; 32 (2) : 47-52

The Effect of Dissemination of Resources and Information Approach on Energy and Fiber Intake in Overweight Students

Background; The incidence of overnutrition for elementary school children continues to increase rapidly throughout the world and has reached an alarming stage due to excessive energy intake. Students who are overweight are caused by the school environment selling a lot of foods containing saturated fat and low fiber which has an impact on increasing the amount of excessive energy in the body. Objectives; This study aims to assess the effect of the dissemination of resources and information approach on the nutritional intake of overweight students. Material and Method; This research was conducted in elementary schools in Makassar city with a quasi-experimental design conducted on overweight children in elementary school grades 4-5 consisting of 40 intervention groups and 40 control groups and purposive sampling. A 3-month research intervention with nutrition educators accompanied by the provision of modules and leaflets Data collection was carried out using pre-test and post-test as well as data processing and analysis using the SPSS program with chi-square test, Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney. Results; The results showed that both the intervention and control groups had a significant effect on energy intake and fiber intake during pre, post 1 and post 2 (p = 0.000 0.05). Conclusion;The conclusion is that there is an effect of the dissemination of resources and information approach on the nutritional intake of overweight students. Overweight students can manage their diet in a planned manner and increase fiber consumption and be active in physical activities.

The Effects of a Five-Month Lockdown Due to COVID-19 on Physical Fitness Parameters in Adolescent Students: A Comparison between Cohorts.

Background: This study examined the effects of a five-month lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on physical fitness parameters in urban adolescent male and female students. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-three male and female students (age: 15.8 ± 0.3 years) who attended the fourth grade of the same high school during the years 2016–2017 (first control group), 2018–2019 (second control group) and 2020–2021 (lockdown group) took part in the present study. Results: The percentage of overweight and obese students, according to body mass index, increased in males from 16.0% (2016–2017) and 14.6% (2018–2019), to 36.7% in 2020–2021 (p < 0.01), and in females from 8.6% (2016–2017) and 7.0% (2016–2017), to 25.6% in 2020–2021 (p < 0.01). Lower body fitness, as assessed by jumping, sprinting and agility tests, was impaired for both males and females after the lockdown compared with the 2016–2017 and 2018–2019 cohorts (vertical jumps: 10.4–15.1%; p < 0.01; d = 0.58–1.01, 30 m sprint: 3.7–4.9%; p < 0.01; d = 0.62–0.74; 505 agility test: from 6.1% to 9.4%; p < 0.01; d = 0.80–1.04). However, flexibility and performance in upper-body fitness tests (handgrip maximum isometric strength and medicine ball throws with different loads) was significantly reduced only in males after the lockdown (p < 0.05 to 0.01). Conclusions: These results suggest that a five-month lockdown negative influenced the physical fitness of adolescent students. Notably, greater reductions were observed in upper body strength, power and flexibility in males than in females. These results highlight the need to maintain strength, power and body mass during long periods of inactivity in adolescent populations.

Impacts of aerobic self-training program on the physical development and preparation of female students

An aerobic self-training program that includes a variety of aerobic activities is important for the development of students' physical and mental fitness, relieving physical and mental fatigue, and preventing physical inactivity accordingly. Aerobics is one of the most self-paced exercises designed to increase heart rate and breathing, as well as body temperature, including large groups of muscles.&#x0D; With a purpose to improve physical development, fitness, preparation level, endurance and metabolism of overweight female students, this study tested an active, high-intensity aerobic exercise program. The weights of students were reduced together with muscle circumference, the general physical development and preparation level were improved accordingly. The results were compared and analyzed to highlight the effectiveness of the training.&#x0D; The results of the study showed a significant improvement in the participants' body weight, body circumference, and body mass index compared to pre-test, intermediate and final results. It shows the importance of the aerobic program.

Salivary pH, dental caries and Body Mass Index (BMI) in the middle school students in Eastern Makassar

Objective: This study aimed to assess the association of salivary pH, dental caries and body mass index (BMI) in middle school students in eastern MakassarMaterial and Methods: This study included 60 middle school students from two schools in eastern Makassar. Data were collected by filling out a questionnaire, weight and height measurement, dental examination, and saliva collection. Body mass index was calculated by dividing weight and height in kg/m2, saliva was collected by draining method, and salivary pH was measured with Saliva-Check Buffer (GC Japan). Decay Missing Filled-Teeth (DMF-T) indexes are used to assess dental caries. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square and ANOVA with a significance of 0.05.Results: This study showed that overweight and obesity are more prevalent in female students than male students. Salivary pH in underweight students and overweight and obese students were lower compared to normal BMI students, while DMF-T score in underweight, overweight, and obese students were higher than the normal BMI students.Conclusion: It can be concluded that BMI have a significant association with salivary pH and DMF-T score.1. Wang L, Zhou B, Zhao Z, et al. Body-mass index and obesity in urban and rural China: findings from consecutive nationally representative surveys during 2004–18. Lancet 2021;398: 53-63.2. Garrouste-Orgeas M, Troché G, Azoulay E, et al. Body mass index. Intensive Care Med 2004;30: 437-443.3. Barlian B, Azhari, Pramanik F. Correlation between mandibular trabeculae bone density on panoramic radiograph and body mass index of men aged 5-35 years old. J Dentomaxillofac Sci 2018;3: 166-168.4. Bellagambi FG, Lomonaco T, Salvo P, et al. Saliva sampling: Methods and devices. An overview. TrAC-Trends Anal Chem 2020;124: 115781.5. Zalewska A, Kossakowska A, Taranta-Janusz K,et al. Dysfunction of salivary glands, disturbances in salivary antioxidants and increased oxidative damage in saliva of overweight and obese adolescents. J Clin Med 2020;9: 548.6. Mosca AC, Stieger M, Neyraud E, et al. How are macronutrient intake, BMI, ethnicity, age, and gender related to the composition of unstimulated saliva? A case study. J Texture Stud 2019;50: 53-61.7. Pannunzio E, Amancio OMS, Vitalle MSDS, et al. Analysis of the stimulated whole saliva in overweight and obese school children. Rev Assoc Méd Bras 2010;56: 32-36.8. Primasari A, Hulu KP. Dryness of the oral cavity in the salivary status of overweight women. J Homeop Nat Med 2019;5: 50-53.9. Al-Hussaini A, Bashir MS, Khormi M, et al. Overweight and obesity among Saudi children and adolescents: Where do we stand today?. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2019;25: 229.10. Hruby A, Hu FB. The epidemiology of obesity: A big picture. Pharmaco Economics 2015;33: 673-689. 11. Alshihri AA, Rogers HJ, Alqahtani MA, et al. Association between dental caries and obesity in children and young people: A Narrative Review. Int J Dent 2019;2019: 1-8. 12. Groth SW, Morrison-Beedy D. Obesity risk in urban adolescent girls: nutritional intentions and health behavior correlates. J NY State Nurses Assoc 2011;42: 15-28.13. Baliga S, Muglikar S, Kale R. Salivary pH: A diagnostic biomarker. J Indian Soc Periodontol 2013;17: 461.14. Anamaria B, Eugen B, Daniela E, et al. Interrelation between salivary pH, buffer capacity and dental caries in underweight, normal weight and overweight children. Revista de Chimie 2017;68: 1353-1356.

Factors determining state of being overweight among the students of Government Medical Colleges of Punjab, Pakistan.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors that make medical students of public sector colleges of Punjab, Overweight. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: 12 different medical colleges of the government sector in Punjab, Pakistan by both online and physical survey using non-probability convenient type of sampling. Period: January 2020 to February 2020. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 352 students from all five years of the academic course participated in this study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was self-administered to the students after taking their consent. The data included demographic information, targeted questions on diet, personal health habits, illnesses, and family history. The data was analyzed by the statistical program SPSS version 21. Results: Out of the total population, 28.1% were male and 71.9% were female students. The median age was 21.0 years. The mean weight was 59.2 ± 11.54 kgs. 56.3% of the students were hostelites and 43.8% were day-scholars. The average pocket-money of the students was 10,150 PKR Per month. According to the body-mass index, about 11.9% of students were underweight, 12.8% were overweight, 2.3% were obese, and 62.5% were of normal weight. It was found that females were more likely to be overweight than males. Not following any specific diet appeared to be the cause of being overweight while following specific diets was a protective factor against overweight status. Year of study, accommodation status, meals per day, calorie intake, ceremonial eating, hours of sleep, and study had no effect on overweight. Overweight students did not have a significant family history of diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Poor dietary habits and unhealthy lifestyles increase the prevalence of overweight status among medical students and pose them at increased risk of serious illness in the future. Nutritional counseling and healthy lifestyle awareness are recommended for better practice of health and learning among medical students.

Physical Activity, Food Consumption, and Breakfast among Normal and Overweight Elementary School Children in Bogor during Covid-19 Pandemic

The objective of this study was to analyze differences in physical activity, quality of food consumption and breakfast between elementary school children with normal and overweight nutritional status in Bogor City of Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was a cross sectional study carried out from September 2020 to January 2021 in nine elementary schools in Bogor City. This research was conducted when school from home had been running for about six months. Survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire filled by the subject's parents via google form and Microsoft word and then interviewing via whatsapp. Physical activity measured using the Physical Activity Level (PAL) method and food consumption quality using the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS). Breakfast quality based on the intake and contribution of energy and protein at breakfast. Result showed that 70% of male and 30% of female subjects were classified as overweight. There was a significant difference in the PAL value between subjects with normal weight and overweight (2.02 vs 1.63, p 0.05). However, IDDS scores of students with normal nutritional status was higher (7.08 and 8.60) compared to (6.80 and 6.78) in overweight students during the weekday and weekend respectively. In contrast, the energy and protein intake consumed during breakfast for overweight students was higher (617 kcal/day and 21 g/day) than students with normal nutritional status (477 kcal/day and 18.2 g/day) (p<0.05). This study has shown the importance to educate parents of overweight subjects to increase their children's physical activity as the students with normal nutrition status do as well as to provide breakfast with a more diverse menu

Association of body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and their correlates among female physical therapy students in Multan.

To explore the correlates directly associated with body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness among undergraduate female physiotherapists. The cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 at Ali-Ul-Murtaza Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Muhammad Institute of Medical and Allied Sciences, Multan, Pakistan, and comprised undergraduate female physiotherapists aged17-25 years. The subjects were assessed on the basis of Physical Activity Readiness Questioner, body mass index and standard criteria of cardiorespiratory fitness. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 334 subjects with a mean age of 20.89±1.66 years, 200(59.88) were overweight and 34(10.17) were underweight. Overall 83(24.9) reported good quality of life, 194(58.1) were satisfied with their general health, and 228(68.3) presented with a history of cardiometabolic disorder. There was a highly significant positive correlation in overweight and negative correlation in underweight subjects (p≤0.05). The frequency of overweight female physical therapy students was high.