NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES OF AL-KUFA INSTITUTE AT AL-FURAT AL-AWSAT TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, AL NAJAF PROVINCE

Background: Obesity is characterized as a medical problem. It is the accumulation of excess fat in the body tissues and may have unfavorable effects on human well-being. Body mass index (BMI) is determined by dividing a person's weight by the square of the person's height. A person with a BMI of 25-30 kg/m2 is labeled as overweight, and a BMI of over 30 kg/m2 is obese. Objective: This investigation aims to determine the nutritional status of students and employees of Al-Kufa Institute at AL-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, located in Al Najaf Ashraf province. Methodology: A cross-sectional research was carried out at Al-Kufa Institute, AL-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University in Al Najaf province. This investigation was carried out from 24/12/2018 to 1/4/2018. Samples comprised of the students and the staff of Al- Kufa institute at AL-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University in Al Najaf Ashraf province, Iraq. Findings: This investigation indicated that the overweight prevalence in our sample was 31%, while obesity was 20.3%. 29.7% of the males were overweight, and 21.1% of them were obese. On the other hand, 34.1% of females were overweight and 18.7% of them were obese. It also was found that the overweight and obesity prevalence was increased in the youth category (18-28 years) and there is a correlation between age and nutritional status (p =0.001). 61.2% of overweight and obese respondents were smokers. This study recommended that the age group of 18-28 years is at risk of obesity, and employees should follow a diet, reduce the amount of internet use and video games, and make compulsory training exercises course. Copyright (c) 2013 - All Rights Reserved - Pharmacophore