Background Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was found to be one of the strongest markers in predicting the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study was to determine the AIP and its relationship with other CVD risk factors. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was done among 349 staff of a public university in Sarawak. Data were collected using questionnaire, blood sampling, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurement. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results A total of 349 respondents participated with majority females (66.8%), aged 38.5 ± 7.82 years. Nearly 80% of the respondents were overweight and obese, 87.1% with high and very high body fat, and 46.9% with abnormal visceral fat. For AIP category, 8.9% were found to be in intermediate and 16.4% were at high risk. Elevated lipid profile showed that total cholesterol (TC) is 15.5%, low density lipoprotein (LDL) is 16.1%, and triglyceride (TG) is 10.6%. AIP was significantly correlated with body mass index (r=0.25), visceral fat (r=0.37), TC (r=0.22), LDL (0.24), HDL (r=−0.72), TG (r=0.84), glucose (r=0.32), systolic blood pressure (r=0.22), and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.28). Conclusion It indicated that AIP is associated with other CVD risk factors. Modification of lifestyle is strongly recommended.

Introduction. Rapid Weight Loss (RWL) is a common practice in combat sports where weight is classified to ensure equitable competition in terms of strength and agility. This study aimed to investigate the profiles of non-elite combat athletes and their RWL practices.Material and methods. This research was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kuching, Sarawak. Data were collected using a validated self-administered dual-language questionnaire.Results. A total of 65 respondents participated in the study; two-thirds were male, and the majority were taekwondo athletes. About 66% of the respondents reported to have practised rapid weight loss, with average weight loss of 3.4 kg (SD = 1.90) and highest weight loss of 4.9 kg (SD = 3.16). The most common RWL methods used were exercising more (69.8%), gradual dieting (51.1%), and training in heated rooms (20.8%). Physical trainers and training colleagues were rated as persons having the most influence on the use of RWL by the respondents. The perceived adverse effects which were mentioned the most frequently by the respondents were fatigue (69.2%), decreased vigour (50.8%), and muscle cramps (46.2%). As for the type of combat sport practised, muay thai and jiu jitsu had the highest number of respondents who used RWL. There were significant differences in RWL practices depending on the influences of training colleagues, physicians/doctors, physical trainers, parents, dieticians, and former athletes as well as perceived adverse effects of RWL.Conclusions. The findings of the current study were observed to be similar to those of research involving elite combat sport athletes where the prevalence of RWL was reasonably high, with similar characteristics. A proper regulatory programme should be put in place to assist both the athletes and their coaches/trainers in implementing proper weight control.

Yogurt provides the body with nutrients such as vitamin B, minerals and proteins. Despite the nutrition offered by yogurt, local studies in Malaysia reported that the consumption of yogurt still remains as one of the lowest amongst all dairy products in Malaysia.   This study was conducted to determine the yogurt consumption and purchasing reasons among yogurt consumers in Kuching, Sarawak.  It was a descriptive study based on online survey via Google form.  Respondents were recruited from a list of customers of a yogurt supplier in Kuching via an advertisement through social media.  Data was analysed using IBM SPSS (version 27). A total of 236 respondents participated in this study whereby the majority were females (71.2%) and most of respondents bought their yogurt from being informed by advertisement. A majority used yogurt at least once a month and most likely type of yoghurt used was the yoghurt drink (61.9%). The largest share of respondents indicated that the quality of product (93.7%), variation in flavour (83.9%), information in product’s label (79.7%), price consideration (71.2%), quality (71.2%), ease of location (76.2%) and access of transportation (69.9%) markedly stimulated their consumption behaviour in finalising their yogurt purchasing reasons. Consumer’s behaviour toward the yogurt purchasing decision were controlled specifically by its product factors, prices offered and accessibility of conditions. Implications of this study have contributed to future local research on population study in the Sarawak and may increase the awareness of yogurt’s benefits among non-yogurt buyers to encourage greater consumption.