Dietary Habits and Prevalence of Underweight/Obesity in Students of University of Gujrat, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of underweight and overweight/obesity among University students and examine the dietary habits and nutritional plan with relation to Body mass index (BMI). METHODOLOGY: University students (N = 432, mean age 21.8 +/- 2.9 years) 342 females and 90 males were selected by simple random sampling technique. BMI was calculated through anthropometry. Consumption of selected foods and eating behaviors were noted via pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS: Results showed that percentage of underweight students was much higher (27.1 %) while overweight and obesity ratio were moderately high (10.2% and 3.7%). From students without having breakfast in last 7 days, 35.9 % were underweight while students having regular breakfast had highest percentage in normal BMI (76.3 %) (p-value < 0.001). Consuming fruits 4-6 times /week was found highest with normal weight 59.6% while 23.9% (p-value<0.001) were underweight without fruit intake. From total of 187 participants having 4-6 times vegetable consumption, 42.9% were with normal BMI (p-value < 0.005). Students using fast food >= 3 times/day were overweight and obese mainly. Statistically less significant results found regarding vitamin and probiotic supplementations with their relation to BMI. From total 148 students who did daily exercise, 140 were with normal BMI. 26% of total participants never did exercise and 63.8% among them were underweight. CONCLUSION: High numbers of students regarding underweight and overweight categories are distressing in this study. To point out determinants of underweight/obesity and poor eating practices among university students, qualitative research is necessary for future.