relationship between lifestyle and body mass index among university students in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to identify Body Mass Index [BMI] among youth, to assess whether lifestyle has an association with BMI in youth of Kuwait and to examine the gender differences in lifestyle and BMI. A cross sectional survey study was conducted using self administered questionnaire, among 320 students of Kuwait University. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, life style aspects like smoking, physical activity, dietary habits and emotional eating. Assessment of BMI was performed. Among participants, 69.7% were males and 30.3% were females. Mean BMI was 30.94 +/- 4.06, obese and overweight subjects constituted 93.4% of the studied sample [69.9% males and 30.1% females] while only 6.6% were normal weight. Females were significantly more regular in vegetable consumption than their male counterparts. Significant variables associated with obesity and overweight were regular fast food and sweet consumption, and sedentary life style behaviors. Some of the factors associated with overweight and obesity among young people can be modified. Eating more fruit and vegetables, increasing physical activity and devoting less time to sedentary activities such as watching television and playing video games may help reverse the upward trend