Dietary Patterns, Prevalence and Predictors of Obesity among Medical Students in Cairo University

Abstract

Background: Non Communicable Diseases is intensely linked with overweight and obesity.The shifting disease pattern has been attributed to nutrition transition and poor exercise. This study was conducted to identify the dietary consumption patterns, assessing obesity among medical students and its predictors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 350 fourth year medical students in a university setting. Dietary patterns were assessed using self administered questionnaire based on United States Department of Health and Human Services and United States Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines for Americans 2015-2020. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by the researchers. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32% and 9% respectively, among the participants. Unfortunately, 29.1% of the studied group were found to have low level of exercise. Intakes of fruits, and vegetables were low, while intakes of sweets and carbonated drinks were high. There was a significant higher percent of obesity among students who practice low level of physical activity (P < 0.05). Also the study revealed by logistic regression analysis that male students were more than 2 times more likely to be obese than female students (Odd's Ratio = 2.16).ConclusionThe prevalence of obesity was 9% among the studied group. Students were found to practice unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits which had significant effects on their Body Mass Index levels.