Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of overweight and obesity among university students in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionOverweight and obesity have emerged as a public health concern, particularly among university students. This increasing prevalence is linked with unhealthy lifestyles consisting of poor dietary choices, and physical inactivity, most commonly reported among students.ObjectiveThe current study aimed to determine the prevalence of both overweight and obesity, and their socio-demographic correlates within the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi), Pakistan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 502 students, selected via convenience sampling, enrolled in public and private universities in the twin cities. Data was collected on socio-demographic correlates and lifestyle factors, using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, and chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and adjusted odds ratio, were used to determine associations between sociodemographic variables, lifestyle factors and obesity.ResultsThe mean age was 21.87 ± 2.27 years, while 80.7% were females. Based on Asian cut-offs for Body Mass Index (BMI), 25.5% were underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), 15.3% were overweight (23.0 to 27.4 kg/m2), and 12.9% were obese (27.5 kg/m2 and above). Gender (p < 0.001), monthly household income (p = 0.043), maternal education (p = 0.030) and having a medical condition (p = 0.025) were all significantly associated with obesity. However, once adjusted, only gender (adjusted odds ratio (aOR = 0.428), CI: 0.236–0.776, p = 0.005) remained significantly associated with obesity, with female sex depicting lower odds of obesity compared with male sex.ConclusionOur study found a significant proportion of the study participants to be overweight (15.3%) and obese (12.9%). Gender, household income, maternal education, and having a prior medical condition, all emerged as significant associated factors of obesity in the current study. Primary prevention interventions aimed at university settings are vital to prevent and manage obesity risk factors and hence combat the increasing overweight and obesity trends among university students.