Abstract
Original Research Article
Full Article (FREE DOWNLOAD)
SMJS Volume 2 Issue 1, Page 32 – Page 38
OBESITY, BODY IMAGE PERCEPTIONS AND WEIGHT LOSS BEHAVIOR AMONG YOUNG ADULTS
Hyder Osman Mirghani, Turki Moshabab Alqahtani, Talal Ahmed Alomrani, Eid Alaenzi, Yousef Ali Alaenzi, Raghad Turki Asiri
Background: Obesity is a major health concern. Body image perception is important. The study aimed to assess body image perceptions and weight loss behavior among young adults in University of Tabuk, Tabuk City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Substance and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 medical students, Medical College, Saudi Arabia matched for age and sex. A structured questionnaire based on demographic data, body image perceptions, body shape concerns, and weight loss behaviors was used to interview the participants, the height in cm, and weight in Kg were measured to calculate the body mass index. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis, a P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: In the present study, 20.8% of medical students were obese, 20.2% were overweight, and 8% were underweight, 55.9% were interested to lose weight, 59.1% were always taking a high calorie meal, 56.4% were practicing regular exercise, and 57.9% thought that obesity is a lifestyle. Regarding of anti-obesity medications is due to lack of knowledge ( 37.4%), side effects (39.9%), and lack of efficacy (18%), in the current study, 39.2% of medical students have not heard about metabolic (Bariatric) surgery. Males were more likely obese and consumed a high calorie diet, they were more likely to perceive their body image as overweight.
Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are common among medical students in Tabuk, they were more likely to perceive the same, the knowledge regarding obesity were suboptimal.
Keywords: Obesity, Body Image, Weight Loss, Students, Medical, Saudi Arabia.
To cite this article: Mirghani HO, Alqahtani TM, Alomrani TA, Alaenzi E, Alaenzi YA, Asiri RT. Obesity, Body Image Perceptions and Weight Loss Behavior Among Young Adults. Saudi Med J Students. 2021;2(1):32-38
This page has been created by {Ziyad Alsweed, 3rd year, Medicine, Qassim University}
