Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Young Peruvian students at National University of Center of Peru-Region Junin-Huancayo

Iparraguirre R.M.P.; Porras M.M.; De La Cruz A.H.; Días Bonilla M.L. · Obesity Medicine (2020) · DOI: 10.1016/j.obmed.2020.100242

Resumen

Introduction: Undergraduate University students are quite vulnerable to obesity and overweight due to inadequate nutrition, and lifestyle, leading young people to conditions of potential cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and central obesity and its associated factors in a sample of Peruvian university students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in one University of Peruvian Andes namely National University of Center of Peru from May 2018 to June 2019. A total of 250 undergraduate university students, aged 18–24 years (141 males and 109 females) were included in the study by convenience sampling. The weight and height of each subject were performed by trained nurses, calibrated equipment, and standardized techniques. Results: Total samples 250, 54.6 (n = 141) were males, 43.6% (n = 109) were females and average age ± standard deviation was 20.66 ± 1.73. The prevalence of overweight (49.65% vs. 16.51%) was significantly 0.33-fold higher in males than females (OR: 0.33, 95%CI: 0.19–0.59, p < 0.001). Average waist circumference was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in males than females, but the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) slightly higher in males than females (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that prevalence of overweight is significantly higher in males than female university students from National University of Center of Peru because women are more concerned in their physical appearance and slim body than men.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú