Association of BMI with diet and physical activity of female medical students at the University of Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveObesity and related morbidly increases in Saudi Arabia females. Colleges and universities are potentially important settings for promotion of healthy diet and weight management practice for healthy future. Present study aimed to assess the diet and exercise habits and their association with BMI in female college students.MethodsCurrent study was performed on total of 215 female college students between September to November 2013. A cross sectional questioner based survey comprising of total 40 questions about their current dietary and physical activity habits and perceived barriers to an active life was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.19, Chi-square test used for testing significance of P value < 0.05.ResultsStudents usually preferred home cooked food (81%) and inclined to snack more frequently during studying and partying (33% each), 60% stated that frequency is decrease since attending college and the main reason was no time for exercise (57%). Relating students BMI with their dietary habits and physical activity revealed significant relation between ”eating more during stressed” and consumption of sugar candy and food (p = 0.010 and 0.011 respectively) and “level of intensity of exercise” and “reason for exercise” (p = 0.006 and 0.000 respectively).ConclusionOur student preferred unhealthy food and “lack of time” was the most frequently mentioned barrier to eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Emphasis should be given to implementing interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and encouraging healthier diets among students thereby reducing their future risk of chronic disease.