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Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 23, No. 5, 391-396 (2004)
Published by the American College of Nutrition

Weight Control Measures among University Students in a Developing Country: A Cultural Association or a Risk Behavior

Hala Tamim, PhD, Nuhad Dumit, MA, Abdallah Terro, BSc, Ramzi Al-Hourany, BSc, Dima Sinno, BSc, Fadi Seif, BSc, Souzan Steitieh, BSc and Umayya Musharrafieh, MD

Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences (H.T., D.S., S.S.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, LEBANON
School of Nursing (N.D.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, LEBANON
Medical School (A.T., R.A.-H., F.S., U.M.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, LEBANON

Address reprint requests to: Dr. Hala Tamim, American University of Beirut, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 11-0236 Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, LEBANON. E-mail: ht02{at}aub.edu.lb

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of university students, in Lebanon, trying to lose weight and assess the relation of trying to lose weight with demographic, scholastic and health behavioral factors.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional conducted in the academic year 2000–2001. A proportionate random sample of 2,013 students was selected among five public and private universities in Beirut. Participants completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire that included questions on trying to lose weight, demographic, scholastic, and health behavioral factors including smoking, alcohol, and seat belt use. Bivariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between trying to lose weight and the above-mentioned characteristics.

Results: The overall prevalence of students trying to lose weight was 30%, with 71% of them being under weight or normal weight. Use of medications and inducement of vomiting constituted 12% and 11%, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the variables significantly associated with trying to lose weight were socio-economical factors rather than risky behaviors. Students who were at increased odds of performing such methods were females OR = (2.08, 95% CI = 1.6–2.5), employed (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01–1.8), and registered in a private university (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.25–2.0). The major of students was also a significant predictor.

Conclusion: In Lebanon, weight reduction could be re-enforced by socio-economical factors and not necessarily be an adolescent risk behavior.

Key words: weight control, university students, Lebanon






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