A cross-sectional investigation into the prevalence and contributing factors of obesity among undergraduate students at the University of Buraimi. Oman

Obesity has emerged as a significant global health issue, impacting millions of individuals and contributing to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and specific types of cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975, with over 1.9 billion adults classified as overweight and 650 million as obese as of 2016. This epidemic is not confined to high-income countries; it also affects low- and middle-income nations, driven by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices. In Oman, the prevalence of obesity is particularly alarming, with 66% of adults categorized as overweight or obese, especially among women. The rapid economic development and a shift towards energy-dense, processed foods have intensified this problem, resulting in an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and substantial economic repercussions.

This research utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional approach to investigate the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among university students at the University of Al-Buraimi (UOB). A non-probability, convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 154 students aged 18 to 24 over a four-month period (February to May 2023). Data collection was conducted through Google Forms, ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of participants. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The results indicated a notable gender disparity, with 82.5% of participants being female and 17.5% male. Additionally, the study revealed trends related to weight, such as a higher prevalence of overweight individuals among males (30.8%) and a significant rate of underweight females (19.2%). Marital and smoking statuses were found to be significantly linked to weight outcomes, whereas factors such as age, financial status, and physical activity did not show significant correlations.

Result: The study provides a comprehensive demographic and health profile of university students, revealing notable gender, age, and academic disparities. The sample was predominantly female (82.5%), with males comprising only 17.5%, indicating a significant gender imbalance. Participants were evenly split between ages 18–20 (52.6%) and 21–24 (47.4%). Academically, nearly half were from the College of Health Sciences (48.7%), followed by Engineering (22.7%), Business (18.2%), and Law (10.4%). Most students were in their 3rd year (29.9%), single (88.3%), and from medium-income families (81.2%). Parental education levels were similar, with most mothers (39%) and fathers (26.6%) having secondary education.

In terms of weight classification, 50.3% of students fell within the normal weight range, while notable proportions were categorized as underweight, overweight, or obese. The prevalence of overweight was higher among men (30.8%) compared to women (17.6%), whereas women showed a greater tendency towards being underweight (19.2% versus 11.5% for men). The rates of obesity were nearly identical across genders, with 11.5% of men and 12% of women classified as obese. Chi-square analysis indicated significant associations between weight outcomes and marital status (p = 0.016) as well as smoking status (p = 0.003). However, no significant correlations were identified with respect to gender, age, financial status, family history of obesity, fast-food consumption, or physical activity levels. These findings highlight the importance of marital and smoking statuses in influencing weight outcomes, suggesting a need for focused health interventions to address these factors.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of targeted measures to address the issues of obesity and underweight among university students. It is essential to implement public health initiatives, enact policy reforms, and foster community engagement to promote healthier lifestyle choices and mitigate the long-term health and economic repercussions of obesity both in Oman and globally.