Lifestyle Practices and Obesity in Nepalese Youth: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Understanding the lifestyle factors associated with obesity is critical to create a successful intervention that would prevent or reduce the obesity beforehand. However, these factors have not been assessed among Nepalese youths thus far. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and to explore the potential lifestyle risk factors in young university students of Nepal. Methods We included in the study 384 young students aged between 17 and 24 years, pursuing medicine at Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire to collect information about age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, meat consumption, fast-food consumption, and sedentary lifestyle was employed. Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Results This study revealed that the current, episodic heavy alcohol consumers, current cigarette smokers, and individuals with a sedentary lifestyle had a statistically significant higher BMI and WHR as compared to age and gender-matched healthy subjects. Meat consumers as well had a statistically significant higher BMI. However, there has been no statistically significant difference in BMI and WHR in those who consume fast food from those who don't. Conclusion Our study shows a high prevalence of obesity among young university students of Nepal, making it necessary to develop effective preventive measures to reduce their exposure to the risk factors associated with obesity. Early interventions to encourage lifestyle changes can be a worthwhile and effective strategy to prevent and/or reduce the risks for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and other comorbidities.