Determinants of body weight status of university students : Exploratory evidence from Universiti Sains Malaysia

Low H. J., . and Tan A. K. G., . and Kassim S., . Determinants of body weight status of university students : Exploratory evidence from Universiti Sains Malaysia. pp. 285-297. ISSN 1394-035X

Introduction : Overweight and obesity are major health concerns among young adults in Malaysia. This study investigates the association between sociodemographic and health-lifestyle factors and body weight status among university students. Methods : Data were obtained from random questionnaire-based face-to-face interviews of 414 full-time students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Ordered probit analysis was conducted and marginal effects of socio-demographic and health-lifestyle variables on body-mass-index (BMA calculated. Results : Among socio-demographic variables ethnicity (Chinese) gender (male) monthly household income bracket and family history of obesity were significant factors in determining body weight status. As a health-lifestyle factor self-reported main meal portion size was significantly associated with BMI. Conclusion : It is concluded that health policy makers in institutions of higher learning should take appropriate intervention measures by focusing on socio-demographic and health-lifestyle related factors in addressing issues of overweight and obesity among university students. Policy recommendations include implementing specific nutrition awareness programmes among male students and promoting health education that elevated body weight issues could be associated with familial traits. Efforts to ensure affordable and accessible nutrient-rich foods in campus cafeterias may also be beneficial to the nutritional health of university students.

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Abstract

Introduction : Overweight and obesity are major health concerns among young adults in Malaysia. This study investigates the association between sociodemographic and health-lifestyle factors and body weight status among university students. Methods : Data were obtained from random questionnaire-based face-to-face interviews of 414 full-time students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Ordered probit analysis was conducted and marginal effects of socio-demographic and health-lifestyle variables on body-mass-index (BMA calculated. Results : Among socio-demographic variables ethnicity (Chinese) gender (male) monthly household income bracket and family history of obesity were significant factors in determining body weight status. As a health-lifestyle factor self-reported main meal portion size was significantly associated with BMI. Conclusion : It is concluded that health policy makers in institutions of higher learning should take appropriate intervention measures by focusing on socio-demographic and health-lifestyle related factors in addressing issues of overweight and obesity among university students. Policy recommendations include implementing specific nutrition awareness programmes among male students and promoting health education that elevated body weight issues could be associated with familial traits. Efforts to ensure affordable and accessible nutrient-rich foods in campus cafeterias may also be beneficial to the nutritional health of university students.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Obesity
AGROVOC Term:	Overweight
AGROVOC Term:	Students
AGROVOC Term:	Adults
AGROVOC Term:	Universities
AGROVOC Term:	Questionnaires
AGROVOC Term:	Surveys
AGROVOC Term:	Interviews
AGROVOC Term:	Health
AGROVOC Term:	Body weight
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8051

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