Noncommunicable diseases are the number one killer globally and it could develop due to various risk factors. This cross-sectional study was aimed to identify these risk factors by assessing body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and blood pressure and to find out the correlation between these risk factors, and cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity level. The study samples were 103 students from two universities in Negeri Sembilan state selected by the convenience sampling method. After ethical clearance, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form in English was used to assess the physical activity level. The cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Rockport one mile walk test and the other parameters were assessed following the standard protocols. The percentage of overweight (32.04%) and pre-hypertension (25.24%) were higher among students. 35.92% of students reported a low physical activity level and 46.6% having a lower fitness level (fair and poor). The physical activity level correlated with the cardiorespiratory fitness level (P<0.01). The body mass index (P<0.01) and systolic blood pressure (male P 0.05, female P<0.01) negatively correlated with the cardiorespiratory fitness level. Therefore, measures have to be taken to improve the physical activity level and cardiorespiratory fitness to lower the risk of overweight and high blood pressure among university students.
cardiorespiratory fitness ; VO2 max ; Body mass index ; waist circumference ; Waist to hip ratio ; blood pressure