Multiple factors contribute to obesity among Kuwaiti college women

Abdulwahab Naser Al-Isa, Nadeeja Wijesekara, Ediriweera Desapriya

Department of Community Medicine & Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuwait, Kuwait;.
Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

DOI: 10.4236/health.2013.55125                

Abstract

There is a need to understand gender-dependent lifestyle habits of different ethnic groups in order to comprehend the risk factors associated with the development of obesity. It has been suggested that diet and physical exercise are two primary determinants of health. We examined the dietary habits and physical activity levels of Kuwaiti college women in order to understand these gender-specific factors contributing to obesity. A total of 304 female students were grouped as obese or non-obese as defined by their body mass index (BMI). Our study identified three factors that contributed to obesity: 1) consumption of more calories; 2) having obese parents and relatives; and 3) engagement in activities that consume less energy. Therefore, individually targeted weight management programs including healthy eating and active lifestyle interventions with a specific focus on female-friendly physical activity should be promoted within university settings inKuwait.

Keywords

Obesity; Kuwait; Women; Eating Habits

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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