PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity has escalated dramatically since 1975, becoming a severe public health issue. By 2016, nearly 39% of adults were overweight, contributing to over 4 million global deaths annually. Projections indicate that by 2030, more than half of the adult population worldwide will be overweight or obese.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among students at the Prime Institute Health Sciences Islamabad.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Prime Institute Health Sciences from July 20, 2021, to December 20, 2021. The study employed non-probability sampling to enroll 300 participants, focusing on various demographic and lifestyle factors as potential contributors to obesity.

Results: The prevalence of obesity among the participants was 17%, with an additional 19% classified as pre-obese. Significant associations were found between obesity and being a young adult (p = .001), male (p = .021), residency in hostels, higher socioeconomic status (p = .011), family history of obesity, reduced sleep duration, and extensive gadget use.

Conclusion: The study confirms a significant prevalence of obesity of 17% at the Prime Institute Health Sciences. Key risk factors include demographic variables, socioeconomic status, lifestyle choices such as sleep patterns and gadget usage, and genetic predisposition.