Introduction
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries have witnessed
significant lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization, the introduction of labour-saving devices and the availability of high-caloric density
food. This has impacted on the physical requirements of daily life by encouraging
sedentary lifestyle that has led to a significant increase in non-communicable
diseases (WHO, 2011). This study aims to explore the lifestyle and health
habits of young adults at Qatar University.
Methods
The study utilized a cross-sectional mixed-method
design and a random sampling technique. A representative sample of 426 young
adult males and females aged 18-25 years from Qatar University took part in
this study. Physical Activity (PA) and dietary
habits were assessed using a validated self-report questionnaire. Total energy expenditure per week was
calculated based on the metabolic equivalent values of each activity reported
by the participant (Al-Nakeeb et al., 2012). Body Mass Index (BMI) was
calculated and the International Obesity Task Force criteria for age and
gender-specific BMI cut-off points were used for classification (Cole et al.,
2000).
Results
Females had a higher
prevalence of overweight/obesity than males (64% and 56%, respectively) and exhibited
lower levels of PA than males (26% vs. 38% inactive). Generally, males were
more physically active than females across all age groups. Three clusters were
identified: “low risk” cluster with healthiest
dietary habits, most active and the least BMI; “moderate cluster” with moderate
dietary habits, PA and BMI; “high risk” cluster with unhealthy diet, low PA and
high BMI. There were more females and senior students in the high and moderate
risk clusters.
Discussion
The
prevalence of overweight and obesity was evident amongst male and female
university students. Moreover, inactivity and sedentary lifestyle was manifested
in the limited recorded moderate intensity PA in both sexes. Generally, younger
students exhibited healthier lifestyles and followed better dietary habits than
their senior counterparts. The findings reveal a worrying picture of young
people’s lifestyle and identify some important practical implications that
could be of interest to policy makers, teachers and health professionals.
Furthermore, the findings confirm the notion that health practices tend to
occur in clusters rather than in isolation and indicate that patterns within
these clusters of behaviours should be considered when planning policies and
designing intervention strategies concerning PA and health habits.