-Nazir M. Hossain,
Department of Public Health
Florida International University

Keyword: Obesity, Overweight, Perception, FIU (Florida International University)

Obesity is a complex, multi-factorial chronic disease involving environmental (social and cultural), genetic, physiologic, metabolic, behavioral and psychological components. It is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

The percentage of overweight and obese children and adolescents is now higher than ever before. Poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity are reported contributors to the increase of obesity in youth.

The 21st century’s youth is considered the most inactive generation in history caused in part by reductions in school physical education programs and unavailable or unsafe community recreational facilities.

Perception and reality are two different things. Different ethnic and racial communities have their own perception regarding weight. Florida International Universities is one of the most multi cultural universities in the United States. Therefore, this is an excellent population to study bodyweight and perception.

Methodology and Instruments: To figure out the relation between obesity, overweight and perception among FIU students, I took information from the National College Health Assesment (NCHA) 2000 and NCHA 2002 data. To find what percentage of students fall in the classsification of obese and obesity I calculated the BMI (Body Mass Index) from their self reported weight and height. Along with this study I wanted to find out the physical activity and healthy eating practices from those students who seem to be obese and overweight or documented obese and overweight.
There were 1236 students from both (Biscayne Bay and University Park) campus who participated in the NCHA 2000 survey and 1386 students out of 30,000 participated from both campus in the NCHA 2002 study the past summer. For both studies, a prescribed 8 page long questionnaire was used. The Wellness Center of FIU conducted both survey and randomly chose the classes with equal distribution of all years, including graduate classes.

Perception related to weight and reality:

Out of 1386 participants, 1200 valid responses were obtained from the NCHA 2002, only 40% (484 students) reported perception for they are now overweight; but there are 38% (527) real overweight and obese. Their perception and reality are pretty close.Fifty- One pergent (607) believe that they are on the right weight. On the other hand 58% (804) reported they are on right weight proportionate to age and height.

Figure 01; Perception of weight, Participant-1386, Valid Responder was: 1200

Figure 02; Reality of weight calculated by BMI

In comparison to male and female students, female students are more concerned in keeping their weight as “right weight”. 66.8% of females reported weight and hight show they are on “right weight” in comparisn to 42.3% of male students on right weight. (Figure 03)

Initiatives about weight:

15.8% (189) of FIU students reported they are doing nothing for their body weight. But 84.2% (1004) of students are trying to either stay the same weight or lose or gain weight. (study from 1193 valid response). (Figure 04)

Figure 04

Exercise:

College students' participation in regular exercise offers both physiological and psychological benefits. For example, exercise adoption has been associated with reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) among students with high cholesterol, and has been shown to increase lumbar bone mass, decrease anxiety and depression, reduce test anxiety and improve self-esteem. (Pinto et al.1998)

More students are exercising now than before. The NCHA 2000 shows that 42.8% of students did exercise, but the NCHA 2002 shows 65.9% of students exercise out of those 5.4% (3.6% of the total) exercise every day. (Figure 05)

Figure 05

Healthy Diets:

There is no significant change in FIU students eating habits from 2000 to 2002. From the valid response received, only 5.9% of students take five or more servings of vegetables or fruits. 6.3% students never take any of vegetables or fruits. This figure is only 0.8% lower than in 2000. (Figure: 06)

Figure 06

Recomdation and Conclusion:

Data shows that female students want to keep their weight proportionate to their height and age appropiate. Overall, eating habits are significantly bad in liue of current obesity trends. More health education and awereness are required to improve this problem. Students are concerned about their perfect weight but not really concerned related to obesity. When more students follow the healthy diet pyramid, then less students will likely become obese.

Reference

Haberman, Shirley E.; Luffey, Deborah. Weighing in college students' diet and exercise behaviors. Source: Journal of American College Health v. 46 (Jan. 1998) p. 189-91

NCHA 2000, American College Health Association, Baltimore ,Spring 2001.

NCHA 2002, American College Health Association,Baltimore, Fall 2002.

Pinto, Bernardine M.; Cherico, Nancy P. Szymanski, Lynda. Longitudinal changes in college students' exercise participation.Source: Journal of American College Health v. 47 no1 (July 1998) p. 23-7

Wing, Rena R.; Hill, James O. Successful weight loss maintenance. Source: Annual Review of Nutrition v. 21 (2001) p. 323-41

From world wide web Site ; http://www.cnn.com/2002/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/08/obesity.rise/index.html