TITLE:
Multiple factors contribute to obesity among Kuwaiti college women
AUTHORS:
Abdulwahab Naser Al-Isa, Nadeeja Wijesekara, Ediriweera Desapriya
KEYWORDS:
Obesity; Kuwait; Women; Eating Habits
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.5,
May
27,
2013
ABSTRACT:
There is a
need to understand gender-dependent lifestyle habits of different ethnic groups
in order to comprehend the risk factors associated with the development of
obesity. It has been suggested that diet and physical exercise are two primary
determinants of health. We examined the dietary habits and physical activity levels
of Kuwaiti college women in order to understand these gender-specific factors
contributing to obesity. A total of 304 female students were grouped as obese
or non-obese as defined by their body mass index (BMI). Our study identified
three factors that contributed to obesity: 1) consumption of more calories; 2)
having obese parents and relatives; and 3) engagement in activities that
consume less energy. Therefore, individually targeted weight management programs
including healthy eating and active lifestyle interventions with a specific
focus on female-friendly physical activity should be promoted within university
settings inKuwait.