Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors as Factors Influencing Weight Gain among King Faisal University Male Students: A Pilot Study

(Mohamed Ahmed Said, Mohamed Abdelmoneem, and Omar Hamdaoui)

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Abstract

Obesity is a risk factor for many diseases. It has been associated to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type II, difficulties in breathing, and osteoarthritis. Studies suggested that daily physical activity, dietary behaviors and genetic influences were the main factors determining weight gain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the daily physical activity, food consumptions, and weight gain among King Faisal University (KFU) students. 290 subjects were recruited from 4 colleges of the KFU by systematic random sample from 1120 students enrolled in the course “Health and Fitness’’ one of the university mandatory requirements. For each subjects, anthropometric characteristics were measured, daily physical activity was assessed using pedometer, and dietary behaviors were evaluated using a survey questionnaire developed for this study. The validity and reliability of this questionnaire were established before testing. Results noted that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among KFU students was 38.27% with 13.1% obese and 26.9% overweight. Data indicated also that subjects had greater susceptibility to be obese if they are engaged in a daily physical activity lesser than 5000 steps/day, consumed vegetables and fruits lesser than five times/week, and used sugar-sweetened drinks and French fries/potato chips more than five times/week. In conclusion this study noted that KFU students were less obese than other Saudi sub-groups. Nevertheless, a specific program may be proposed to implement the theoretical knowledge, including limiting the use of fast foods and sugar-sweetened drinks, and increasing vegetables consumption and the daily physical activity. Key Words: Body composition, Dietary behaviors, KFU students, Overweight/obesity, Physical activity.
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