Risk of Hypertension and Obesity among Male University Students in relation to Dietary Habits, Lifestyle and obesity.

Author(s) : Kashif Rauf, Uzma Chohan & Fawad Hussain

Abstract:

Objective:
To investigate the risk of hypertension among male university students in relation to dietary habits, lifestyle and obesity.
Material and Methods:
The cross-sectional study was performed at the Rawalpindi Medical University during September-December 2018. Participants were healthy male students aged 18-25 (medical & allied health students) selected via simple random sampling. Closed ended questionnaire was used to document life style and eating habits of participants. Blood pressure of all participants was recorded at two different occasions. BMI was calculated. The participants were selected by simple random sampling.
Results:
Of the 370 participants, 38(10.27%) were obese, 88(23.78) were overweight and 244 (65.95%) were with normal BMI. Out of the 370, 8(2.16%) were hypertensive whereas 68(18.38%) were pre-hypertensive and 294(79.46%) had normal blood pressure. Overall, out of 8 hypertensive participants 6(80%) were obese, 2 (20%) were overweight. Out of 68 Pre-hypertensive participants 24 (35.29%) were obese and 42(61.76%) were overweight and 2 (2.94%) were normal. These participants were taking at least two fast food meals weekly. Also, 318 (79.5%) responders were consuming soft/energy drinks more than once/day. Interestingly, 318(85.95%) respondents were spending 2-3 hours/day watching TV, playing video games or browsing on internet
Conclusion:
All of the hypertensive and Pre-hypertensive participants were either obese or over weight with sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.

Key Words: Hypertension, Sedentary lifestyle, Obesity, Dietary habits