Associations between body mass index and physical activity level with mindful eating behaviour among undergraduate medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0040
- Author:
Nurul Zulaikha Talib
1
;
Shu Qing Ang
1
;
Juliana Shamsudin
1
;
Zafirah Mohd Nor
2
Author Information
1. Dietetics Programme, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
2. Nutrition Programme, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
body mass index (BMI), medical students, mindful eating behaviour, physical activity
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2023;29(No.1):39-49
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Mindful eating is being fully present in the moment of eating and it
is critical in preventing poor eating habits. The main objective for this study was
to determine the associations of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level
with mindful eating behaviour among undergraduate medical students of Universiti
Sains Malaysia (USM), Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Methods: A
cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 students (Years 1-5; 69% females
and 31% males) by using a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of
socio-demographic data, anthropometric data, short version of the International
Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ).
The associations between BMI and physical activity with MEQ were determined by
Spearman’s Correlation and One-Way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis Test, respectively.
Results: Majority of the students had normal BMI (66.4%, n=105), and 39.9% (n=63)
had low physical activity levels. The mean MEQ summary score of the students
was considered high (2.82±0.26). There was a significant negative association
between MEQ summary score (r=-0.191; p=0.016) and disinhibition subscale score
(r=-0.340; p<0.001) with BMI, whereby MEQ summary and disinhibition subscale
scores increased as BMI decreased. However, there was no significant association
between physical activity level with MEQ score (p>0.05). Conclusion: A student
with positive mindful eating behaviour has the potential to lower his/her BMI.
However, further research is required to verify this finding.
- Full text:4.2023my0602.pdf
