Relationship of obesity with lifestyle and eating habits among Thai young adults: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the differences in biomarkers, lifestyles, eating habits, and interest in dieting associated with body type, specifically body mass index (BMI) category, among University students in Thailand. From 2017 to 2020, Thai university students were surveyed regarding their lifestyle and eating habits, using physical measurements and a questionnaire. A total of 207 male students and 507 female students were classified as "underweight," "average weight," "overweight," or "obese" according to their BMI: these groups were compared in terms of their differences in biomarkers, lifestyle, and eating habits. Overall, 34.8% of men and 28.4% of women were classified as overweight or obese. Students of both genders in the overweight and obese group had higher body fat percentages, basal metabolic rates, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (all P<0.0001). Overweight and obese group students were more interested in dieting (men: P=0.0007, women: P<0.0001), and most of them reported that they had dieted in the past (P=0.222, P<0.0001). Additionally, the obese group was more likely to report eating quickly (P=0.107, P=0.014). The rate of obesity among Thai young adults was as high as that among Thai adults; continuous weight loss programs are necessary to prevent the development of lifestyle diseases.