Overweight and Obesity Prevalence in Young Students

Abstract

"Introduction. Globally, there is a growing prevalence of overweight and obesity in both developing and developed countries. Until recently, it was perceived that obesity mainly affects middle-aged adults. However, there is a growing trend towards obesity among young adults, especially university students. Objective. This study aims to assess the overweight and obesity prevalence and its related factors in a random sample of students selected from 10 faculties of ”Babeș-Bolyai” University. Methods. This transverse study included a self-administered questionnaire and gathered anthropometric measurements. The population subject of study consisted in 1430 students, of which 694 (48,5%) men and 736 (51,5%) women, aged between 20 and 25 years, (69,4%) from urban environment and (30,6%) from rural environment. The body mass index (BMI) has been used for assessing the weight. Results. Amongst women, 64,4% had normal weight, 18,9% were overweight and 5,8% were obese, while amongst men 62,1% had normal weight, 14,1% were overweight and 5,2% were obese. Generally speaking 22% of participants were overweight or obese (24,7% women and 19,3% men). In multivariate regression in younger men coming from a region with higher incomes, conscientiously avoiding fats, alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical inactivity and in older women coming from a region with higher incomes, avoiding fats consumption, cholesterol and post-traumatic stress symptoms have been associated to overweight or obesity. Concluzions. The study found a high prevalence of overweight / obesity among university students. Several gender-specific health risk practices that can be used in health promotion programs have been identified. Key words: obesity, overweight, physical inactivity "