This project examined the lifestyle, health habits and risk factors of young
adults at Qatar University. It explored the clustering and differences in dietary habits, body
mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) amongst male and female students, both Qatari
and non-Qatari. Seven hundred thirty two students aged 18–25 years completed a self-reported
questionnaire and an objective measure of BMI. Males and females had a high prevalence of
being overweight and obesity and low levels of PA, according to well-established international
standards. Three clusters were identified based on the students’ lifestyle and dietary habits.
Cluster 1 (high risk factors) included those who engaged the least in healthy dietary
practices and consumed the most unhealthy foods, participated in less PA and had the
highest BMI. Cluster 2 (moderate risk factors) included those with considerably more
habits falling into the moderate category, engagement in the most PA, the least TV and
computer viewing time and had the lowest BMI. Cluster 3 (low risk factors) included those
who engaged the most with the four healthy dietary practices, the least with the four unhealthy
dietary practices and participated in moderate PA per week. This project provides valuable data
that could be used by policy makers to address issues concerning student’s health.