Body Shape Dissatisfaction, Weight Status and Physical Activity among a Sample University Students in Saudi Arabia

Hala Hazam AL-Otaibi, Shereen L. Nassef, Tarek A. Raouf

Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Department of Physical Education, College of Education, King Faisal University, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.

DOI: 10.4236/fns.2013.46079                

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of body shape dissatisfaction, weight and physical activity status among university students and predictors for body shape dissatisfaction. A cross sectional study was carried out in a sample comprising of 368 female and male university students aged 18 years or more at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Body weight, height, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and physical activity level were used as assessment tools. Chi-square and independent sample T-test were used to assess gender difference. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine predictors of the body shape dissatisfaction. Overall, 65% of students had normal BMI, more males then females overweight (23%), while more females underweight (16.8%). Females have higher body shape dissatisfaction (33.5%) then males (21.4%), half of males inactive and this percentage increased in females to (73.8%). Overweight males were more dissatisfied with their body shape (10.7%) than females (6.3%). Almost one fifth of inactive males dissatisfied comparable to quarter inactive females dissatisfied with their body shape. Younger age is predictor for body shape dissatisfaction in both genders, also weight in males. BMI and being married female was predictor for body shape dissatisfaction. Collectively results indicate that body shape dissatisfaction and inactive lifestyle were prevalent among females than male’s age, weight; BMI and marital status was the most predictor for body shape dissatisfaction. However developing educational program to promote body shape satisfaction and active lifestyle will be very useful especially among females.

Keywords

Body Shape Dissatisfied; University Students; Weight; Physical Activity

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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