Abstract

RISK FACTORS FOR OBESITY IN FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF HAIL, SAUDI ARABIA

Dr. Vedavalli Sachithananthan*

Abstract

Background: Because of the increasing obesity rates in populations, population specific causes need to be identified. The present study aimed at determining the contribution of parental socioeconomic variable and life style factors contributing to obesity in female college students in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross sectional study was performed using 300 women 18-25 years of age attending University of Hail. To meet the study objectives, information was collected on the demographic parental and lifestyle related variables and anthropometric measurements. Results: Around 35% of the study subjects were either overweight or obese and they had a family history of maternal obesity which leads to obesity in the children. Parental income, education, skipping breakfast and physical activity did not have any association with obesity. Conclusion: However maternal obesity seemed to be a positive risk factor for obesity in female subjects.

Keywords: .