Differences in Eating Behaviours, Dietary Intake and Body Weight Status between Male and Female Malaysian University Students
- Author:
Gan WY
;
Mohd Nasir MT
;
Zalilah MS
;
Hazizi AS
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Dietary intake, eating behaviours, nutritional status, university students
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2011;17(2):213-228
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: University students are potentially important targets for the
promotion of healthy lifestyles as this may reduce the risks of lifestyle-related
disorders later in life. This cross-sectional study examined differences in eating
behaviours, dietary intake, weight status, and body composition between male
and female university students. Methodology: A total of 584 students (59.4%
females and 40.6% males) aged 20.6±1.4 years from four Malaysian universities
in the Klang Valley participated in this study. Participants completed the Eating
Behaviours Questionnaire and two-day 24-hour dietary recall. Body weight,
height, waist circumference and percentage of body fat were measured. Results:
About 14.3% of males and 22.4% of females were underweight, while 14.0% of
males and 12.3% of females were overweight and obese. A majority of the
participants (73.8% males and 74.6% females) skipped at least one meal daily in
the past seven days. Breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal. Both males
and females frequently snacked during morning tea time. Fruits and biscuits
were the most frequently consumed snack items. More than half of the participants
did not meet the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for energy,
vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron (females only), and calcium.
Significantly more males than females achieved the RNI levels for energy, protein
and iron intakes. Conclusion: This study highlights the presence of unhealthy
eating behaviours, inadequate nutrient intake, and a high prevalence of
underweight among university students. Energy and nutrient intakes differed
between the sexes. Therefore, promoting healthy eating among young adults is
crucial to achieve a healthy nutritional status.
- Full text:W020150714386243159759.pdf
