Food Consumption Pattern Among Canteen and Home Cooked Food Users in Relation to Obesity Risk Among Saudi Students in Qassim Region

Abstract

Many nutritional standards and behaviors are created in the college environment, which may have long-term consequences for the individual. Because of the significant amount of time teenagers spend at college on a typical weekday, it has been estimated that one-third of their food and drink is eaten at college canteens. The current research investigation employed a questionnaire to evaluate the eating behaviors of male and female college participants. There were 206 participants in the study, which consisted of with approximately the same proportion of men (52.9%) and women (47.1%). The participants' average age was 22.6 years, with men being a little older than women on average. The majority of participants resided at home and had bachelor's degrees. Males had greater mean heights and weights, according to anthropometric measures, which led to slightly higher mean Body Mass Index (BMI). The prevalence of underweight individuals was higher among females, while overweight and obesity were more common in males. The majority of participants never bought food from the college canteen and usually ate meals at home. Breakfast consumption varied, with a significant proportion skipping breakfast on schooldays. Differences between genders were observed in the consumption of specific food items and exercise frequency, but no significant correlations were found between incidence of obesity and food consumption patterns. The study highlights the need for dietary interventions based on large scale research studies to address the concerning levels of obesity among college students and improve their overall health and well-being.