Obesity is a major public health issue [1] . It is characterized by an excessive amount of body fat and is both statistically and clinically associated with the onset of numerous diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases [2] . Indeed, 80% of type 2 diabetes cases are linked to obesity [3] , 5.4% of new cancer cases in adults over 30 in France are attributable to obesity [4] , and obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which account for 38% of premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases [5] .

This condition is generally caused by nutritional imbalance [6] . It develops when daily energy intake exceeds daily energy expenditure. Foods high in fat, ultra-processed products, sugary items, fast food, pastries, and sweets are among the most incriminated [7] .

Globally, the obesity prevalence rate is estimated at 12.5% [8] . It is now recognized as an epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Both developed and developing countries are affected by this condition. The obesity epidemic also has significant economic consequences. Without appropriate measures, the global costs related to overweight and obesity could reach 3 trillion USD per year by 2030 and exceed 18 trillion by 2060 [9] .

In Africa, the obesity prevalence is estimated at 8% [10] . The continent, undergoing an epidemiological transition, is facing the emergence of chronic diseases while still dealing with persistent infectious diseases. Several studies have reported high prevalence rates of obesity. Indeed, Rotich et al. (2023) observed a prevalence rate of 19.6% among university students in Kenya. Additionally, prevalence rates of 36.8% and between 25.3% and 59.4% have been reported in Botswana and Egypt, respectively [11] .

In Senegal, non-communicable diseases account for 51% of adult deaths. According to the 2024 STEPS survey, the obesity prevalence rate in the Senegalese population is 10.1%, up from 6.4% in 2015 [12] .

However, few local studies have explored obesity among university students, despite them representing a key demographic for national development. Upon entering university, students gain autonomy over their diet and tend to adopt eating behaviors that may negatively impact their health. Investigating their nutritional status helps to anticipate health risks in the future adult population and supports the development of targeted prevention policies.

Sociodemographic Characteristics

The study population was relatively young, with a mean age of 23 years, and predominantly male (59.2%), yielding a sex ratio of 1.5 in favor of men. This male predominance in university enrollments is not unique. Similar findings were reported in other sub-Saharan African contexts, such as a study in Benin where male students represented 64.3% of the university population compared to 35.7% for females [15] , and in Cameroon, where a health survey at the University of Yaoundé I found that men made up 61% of the student population [16] .

These data reflect persistent gender disparities in access to higher education, although significant progress has been made in female enrollment over the past decade. According to UNESCO, the proportion of women in sub-Saharan university enrollment increased from 29% in 2000 to nearly 42% in 2020, thanks to equity and gender-promotion policies [17] . However, notable disparities remain across fields of study, with science, medical, and technical fields still largely male-dominated in many countries. The gender composition of the sample may therefore reflect both persistent structural inequalities and a gradual shift toward better gender parity.

The low reported rates of tobacco (7.4%) and alcohol (3.0%) consumption align with trends seen in regional studies, where religious and cultural norms especially in Muslim-majority countries like Senegal strongly limit such behaviors among young adults [18] . This suggests that the sociocultural context continues to play a protective role against certain health-risk behaviors. However, this should be interpreted with caution. Prior studies have highlighted underreporting, especially in settings with strong social or religious norms where tobacco and alcohol use may be seen as morally unacceptable [19] . This social desirability bias could lead to an underestimation of risky behaviors, reinforcing the need for more robust methodological approaches in future surveys.

Anthropometric Parameters and BMI

The mean student weight was 61.2 kg and mean height was 1.70 m, with an average BMI of 20.5 kg/m², indicating overall good nutritional status. However, a significant 28.5% of participants were underweight. This high rate may reflect dietary deficiencies, limited access to balanced food, or inadequate eating behaviors often linked to the university context (stress, irregular meals, poor food choices).

Conversely, 9.1% of students had excess weight, including 2.1% classified as obese. These results reveal the double burden of malnutrition undernutrition and overnutrition an increasingly observed phenomenon in countries undergoing nutritional transition.

For instance, in Mauritania, the prevalence of obesity among medical students at the University of Nouakchott was reported at 3.3% [20] , and at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Burkina Faso, 4.3% of students were classified as obese [21] , both higher than the present study.

Sex Differences

The sex-disaggregated BMI analysis revealed that while overweight was slightly more common among men (51.8%), obesity was significantly more prevalent among women (76.4% of all obese participants). This trend, also observed in other African studies [22] , may be explained by biological, sociocultural, and behavioral differences for instance, the cultural valorization of curvier female bodies, or differing dietary and physical activity patterns between men and women.

Body Fat Estimation

Body fat estimated using the Deurenberg formula yielded a mean of 24.3% in women and 13.8% in men, which is expected, as women naturally have a higher fat mass [23] .

Importantly, most students 89.9% of men and 66.4% of women had normal body fat levels, which is reassuring. This finding also confirms that BMI alone can be misleading when evaluating nutritional status, especially in women, for whom body fat is naturally higher even at the same BMI [14] .

While the present study highlights the high prevalence of underweight among students, this phenomenon may reflect broader structural challenges, particularly related to campus-based food insecurity and inadequate dietary practices. Several studies have shown that university students, especially in low- and middle-income countries, often face economic constraints that limit access to balanced and sufficient nutrition [24] [25] . In the context of Senegal, a qualitative study by Ndiaye et al. (2021) [26] revealed that many students rely on low-cost, energy-dense foods, often skipping meals due to financial difficulties. These patterns, combined with academic stress and irregular eating schedules, contribute to undernutrition despite the assumption that university students represent a relatively advantaged population. Addressing underweight in this population therefore requires a multidimensional approach, including nutritional support policies and student-centered food security programs.

The coexistence of high rates of underweight and a notable fraction of excess weight underscores the need for targeted nutritional interventions. On the one hand, it is crucial to combat undernutrition through the promotion of accessible, balanced diets. On the other hand, obesity prevention, particularly among women, should be strengthened via culturally sensitive awareness programs.

This study, conducted in 2025 among students at Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis, highlights a dual nutritional challenge, marked by the coexistence of a high rate of underweight (28.5%) and a notable prevalence of excess weight (9.1%), including 2.1% classified as obese based on BMI and 1.0% based on body fat percentage.

Although the prevalence of obesity remains relatively low in this young population, the presence of isolated cases, particularly among female students, points to the importance of not overlooking this emerging trend in university settings.

The findings also show that most students have a normal body fat percentage, which is encouraging. However, the significant level of underweight observed may reflect difficulties in accessing balanced nutrition or inadequate eating habits.

In the face of this double burden of malnutrition, it is essential to strengthen prevention strategies and nutritional education, specifically targeting university students, while taking into account the cultural and economic realities of the academic environment.

Looking ahead, it would be relevant to complement this research with longitudinal studies and to use more precise methods of body composition assessment in order to better understand the evolution of dietary behaviors and their impact on student health.