Effect of Dietary Intake and Physical Activity on Body Mass Index Among the Students of University of Lahore

Effect of Dietary Intake and Physical Activity

Abstract

Nutrition has fundamental role in the well-being of any individual. The intake of proper diet along with any kind of regular activity is essential for obtaining good health.

Objective: To determine the effect of dietary intake and physical activity on Body Mass Index (BMI) among the students of University of Lahore.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at The University of Lahore, Lahore and completed within 9 months by using the non-probability convenient sampling technique. The data were collected through pre –tested questionnaire from 369 students (both males and females) between age 20-30 years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Frequencies were calculated, Pearson's chi-square and paired sample t-test was applied.

 Results: Total of 369 respondents were included in the study, out of which 64.8% were having normal weight, 19.2% overweight, 11.4% underweight, and 4.6% were obese. The average age of the respondents was 21 years. Majority of the respondents (69.6%) belonged to the middle class. A considerable association was found between Body Mass Index (BMI) and milkshake consumption (p-value=0.041), french fries consumption (p-value=0.039), 60 minutes of normal walk (p-value=0.005).

Conclusions: It was concluded that there were variations among the associations between intake of different food items and physical activity and its impact on Body Mass Index (BMI).