DIETARY PATTERN AND PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN UNIVERSITY OF UYO

Abstract

The study examined the dietary patterns and prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduates at the University of Uyo. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to explore these aspects and their interrelationships. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from a sample of 333 undergraduate students selected through a systematic sampling technique. The questionnaire assessed students’ eating habits, perceptions of their body weight, and the frequency of fast food consumption. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to present the dietary patterns and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the respondents. Additionally, a one-sample t-test was employed to test the hypotheses formulated for the study, which focused on the relationship between dietary patterns and body mass index (BMI), differences in dietary patterns between overweight/obese students and those with normal weight, and the association between fast food consumption and overweight/obesity prevalence. The findings revealed that many students regularly skipped breakfast, frequently consumed fast foods and sugary drinks, and had irregular meal patterns, contributing to unhealthy dietary behaviors. A significant proportion of the students perceived themselves as overweight or obese, and noticeable weight gain was reported since enrollment at the university. The statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between dietary patterns and BMI, as well as a significant difference in dietary habits between overweight/obese students and those with normal weight. Furthermore, frequent fast food consumption was significantly associated with overweight and obesity among the students.In conclusion, the study demonstrated that poor dietary patterns are closely linked to overweight and obesity among undergraduates at the University of Uyo. It highlighted the need for targeted nutrition education, improved access to healthy food options, and weight management interventions on campus to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues among students.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

In recent decades, dietary patterns and nutrition-related health outcomes have become a growing public health concern globally, with particular emphasis on the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among young adults. Overweight and obesity are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health (WHO, 2019). These conditions have reached epidemic proportions worldwide, having more than tripled since 1975. The WHO (2021) further notes that the modern environment, characterized by sedentary lifestyles and easy access to energy-dense foods, has created conditions conducive to weight gain across various populations, especially among youths.

University students represent a particularly vulnerable demographic due to their unique life stage. The transition to university life is often marked by newfound independence, increased academic responsibilities, and significant lifestyle changes. These factors collectively contribute to a disruption in previously established routines, including dietary habits (Sogari et al., 2018). Undergraduates often experience freedom in making dietary choices for the first time, and without adequate knowledge or guidance, this autonomy may lead to unhealthy eating behaviors. Studies have shown that many university students regularly consume fast foods, sugary snacks, soft drinks, and processed meals while simultaneously skipping main meals such as breakfast (Adeoye et al., 2018; Sogari et al., 2018).

In Nigeria, this nutritional transition is especially pronounced. As urbanization intensifies, many Nigerian youths have adopted Western dietary patterns, characterized by high consumption of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugars, and low intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (Ikujenlola & Adekoya, 2020). This shift is also accompanied by a decline in physical activity levels due to increased screen time, academic workload, and limited access to recreational facilities (Ugwueze et al., 2021). Among Nigerian university students, including those at the University of Uyo, these lifestyle changes have led to a noticeable rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as the early onset of diet-related non-communicable diseases (Ukegbu et al., 2022).

Research has consistently demonstrated that unhealthy dietary habits formed during university years often persist into adulthood, thereby increasing the risk of chronic health problems (Kayode, 2021). For instance, Powell-Wiley et al. (2021) affirm the direct link between obesity and increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Similarly, Nyberg et al. (2018) found that individuals with obesity tend to experience a loss of disease-free years due to the early onset of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and certain cancers. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing poor dietary patterns among undergraduates before the associated health complications become more entrenched.

Moreover, the university environment itself plays a significant role in shaping students’ eating habits. At the University of Uyo, students are often exposed to a food environment dominated by commercial vendors offering quick, high-calorie, low-nutrient meals. This is compounded by students’ tight academic schedules, which encourage convenience eating rather than planning and preparing nutritious meals. According to Adeoye et al. (2018), many private and public university students in Nigeria report irregular meal patterns and a preference for highly processed foods due to limited time and resources.

Sedentary behavior also contributes significantly to weight gain among university students. With long hours spent attending lectures, studying, and using digital devices, physical activity levels tend to be insufficient (Mohd Yusoff et al., 2018). Ugwueze et al. (2021) identified a significant relationship between low physical activity and poor psychological well-being, further exacerbating health risks among university students. The lack of recreational infrastructure on campuses like the University of Uyo only worsens the situation, leaving students with few opportunities or incentives to engage in regular exercise.

The psychosocial implications of overweight and obesity among young adults are also of great concern. Apart from the physical health risks, obesity is linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression (Powell-Wiley et al., 2021). The stigmatization of overweight individuals may negatively impact students’ social relationships and academic performance, further complicating their university experience (Sogari et al., 2018). These challenges necessitate proactive health interventions targeted specifically at university populations.

Compounding the issue is the lack of awareness and education about healthy dietary practices. Many students lack the basic knowledge required to make informed food choices, leading to over-reliance on palatable but nutrient-poor diets (Ikujenlola & Adekoya, 2020). The WHO (2019) has emphasized the importance of dietary education as a preventive tool, suggesting that early interventions, particularly at institutions of higher learning, can play a transformative role in combating obesity. Additionally, Castell et al. (2020) highlighted that among university students aged 19–26 years, the consumption of unhealthy fats and oils was significantly higher than recommended, suggesting poor nutritional literacy.

The situation at the University of Uyo mirrors these broader national and global patterns. Like many tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the university lacks a structured nutritional intervention program. There is little to no formal monitoring of students’ dietary habits or body mass indices, and health promotion activities are often ad hoc. As a result, many students are unaware of their nutritional status or the risks posed by their eating behaviors (Ukegbu et al., 2022). This gap in health surveillance and education creates a critical opportunity for research that can inform evidence-based interventions tailored to the university context.

Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity and overweight has implications for public health planning in Nigeria. As more young adults enter the workforce and contribute to national development, their health status becomes increasingly important. Kayode (2021) emphasized that diet-related diseases not only reduce life expectancy but also place a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems. Intervening early—during university years—offers a cost-effective strategy for preventing the long-term consequences of poor diet and physical inactivity.

Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the dietary patterns of undergraduates at the University of Uyo and explore the relationship between their eating habits and the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Understanding these relationships is essential for designing health promotion strategies that are culturally relevant and context-specific. Given the intersection of environmental, behavioral, and social factors influencing student health, a comprehensive approach is necessary to address this multifaceted issue.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Overweight and obesity among young adults have emerged as critical public health issues worldwide, with a growing trend particularly among university students. Despite increased awareness of the dangers associated with unhealthy weight, recent research suggests a persistent rise in poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles among undergraduates (Sogari et al., 2018; Adeoye et al., 2018). In Nigeria, this trend is particularly troubling as traditional food cultures are gradually being displaced by Westernized, high-calorie diets coupled with low physical activity levels (Ikujenlola & Adekoya, 2020; Ukegbu et al., 2022).

The university environment plays a significant role in shaping students’ health behaviors. As students gain independence, many adopt eating patterns characterized by high consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages, and snacks, while often skipping nutritious meals (Sogari et al., 2018). Furthermore, most campuses, including the University of Uyo, provide limited access to healthy food options and opportunities for regular physical exercise, thereby promoting behaviors that increase the risk of overweight and obesity (Ugwueze et al., 2021; Mohd Yusoff et al., 2018). While global studies have linked these patterns to the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (Powell-Wiley et al., 2021; Nyberg et al., 2018), there remains insufficient local data that reflects the unique cultural, environmental, and behavioral dynamics affecting Nigerian university students.

More so, existing studies in Nigeria have largely focused on either general student populations or female students alone (Ikujenlola & Adekoya, 2020), often neglecting comparative analysis across different institutions or regions. Few studies have comprehensively explored the direct relationship between specific dietary behaviors, physical activity levels, and BMI classification among students in the University of Uyo. Furthermore, although national and international research acknowledges the link between obesity and psychological, social, and academic consequences (Kayode, 2021), these dimensions remain underexplored in the local context.

This study aims to fill these gaps by examining the current dietary patterns and prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduates in the University of Uyo, providing institution-specific data that can inform health promotion and policy interventions tailored to Nigerian university settings.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the dietary patterns and prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduates in the University of Uyo. The specific objectives are:

1. To assess the dietary patterns of undergraduates at the University of Uyo.
2. To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduates in the University of Uyo.
3. To examine the relationship between dietary patterns and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the students.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What are the dietary patterns commonly practiced by undergraduates at the University of Uyo?
2. What is the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the students?
3. What is the relationship between dietary patterns and overweight/obesity among undergraduates?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses will be tested in the course of the study:

1. H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between dietary patterns and body mass index (BMI) among undergraduates in the University of Uyo.
2. H₀₂: There is no significant difference in dietary patterns between overweight/obese students and those with normal weight.
3. H₀₃: There is no significant association between frequency of fast food consumption and prevalence of overweight/obesity among undergraduates.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds substantial importance for a broad range of stakeholders within and beyond the academic environment. For students, it offers critical insight into the consequences of their daily dietary choices, particularly regarding the impact of unhealthy eating habits on weight and overall well-being. Many undergraduates are unaware of the long-term risks associated with poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles. By highlighting these risks, this research will promote greater awareness of how unhealthy dietary patterns can contribute to overweight and obesity, which are key risk factors for numerous chronic illnesses. It will also serve as a motivational tool, encouraging students to adopt healthier eating behaviors and make more informed nutritional decisions that support their academic performance, physical health, and emotional well-being.

The findings will also benefit university health services by providing empirical data on the dietary behaviors and weight status of the student population. Such data will be instrumental in developing targeted interventions, health promotion campaigns, and counseling programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of diet-related health issues on campus. Health professionals and campus clinics can use this evidence to offer personalized support, advocate for preventive healthcare strategies, and reinforce the importance of regular physical activity and balanced diets.

School management and policy makers will equally benefit from the study, as it provides concrete evidence supporting the need for institutional policies that foster a healthier university environment. The research will offer guidance on implementing campus-wide nutritional education programs, improving the quality of food available in university cafeterias, and creating spaces and opportunities that encourage physical activity among students. These actions not only enhance student health but also help reduce healthcare costs and improve academic engagement and success.

Additionally, this study is significant to future researchers and academics with interests in nutrition, public health, or youth development. It adds to the body of knowledge concerning dietary patterns and the growing issue of obesity in Nigerian tertiary institutions. By providing a localized perspective focused on the University of Uyo, the research will offer a valuable foundation for comparative studies, longitudinal analyses, and future investigations into the broader socio-cultural and environmental determinants of student health. As such, it stands to contribute meaningfully to both academic literature and practical health initiatives.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is focused on examining the dietary patterns and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduates in the University of Uyo. The study will cover students from various faculties and departments across different levels of study. It will consider factors such as meal frequency, types of food consumed, snacking habits, and fast-food consumption. The Body Mass Index (BMI) will be used to assess the weight status of the respondents.

The study will not extend to postgraduate students, staff, or students from other universities. Furthermore, it will focus solely on dietary patterns and will not delve into other determinants of overweight and obesity such as genetics, medical conditions, or medication use.

1.8 Operational Definition of Key Terms

Dietary Pattern: A combination of foods and beverages that an individual habitually consumes over a given period, reflecting overall diet quality and nutritional behavior.

Overweight: A condition in which a person has more body fat than is considered healthy for their height, typically indicated by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9.

Obesity: A medical condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation that poses a risk to health, often defined by a BMI of 30.0 or higher.

Body Mass Index (BMI): A numerical value derived from an individual’s weight and height, used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

Fast Food: Commercially prepared meals and snacks that are typically high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and are often consumed for convenience.

Undergraduates: Students enrolled in a university program leading to the award of a first degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A., B.Ed.) and who have not yet graduated.

Prevalence: The proportion or percentage of individuals in a population having a particular condition or characteristic at a specific point in time.

Nutritional Status: The condition of a person’s health as influenced by the intake and utilization of nutrients, often measured by indicators such as BMI, weight, and diet.