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Risky weight control among university students.
Hala Tamim1, Rana Tamim, Wassim Almawi
1Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. ht02@aub.edu.lb
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|October 19, 2005
Summary
Risky weight control behaviors like vomiting or using pills were reported by 6.1% of Lebanese university students. Younger females, smokers, and those with higher BMI were more likely to engage in these unhealthy practices.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Student Health
Background:
- University students often face pressure regarding body image and weight.
- Risky weight control behaviors can have serious health consequences.
- Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of risky weight control measures (vomiting, pills) among university students in Lebanon.
- To examine the association between these behaviors and demographic, academic, and health risk factors.
- To inform targeted health promotion strategies.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- A proportionate random sample of 2,013 students from Greater Beirut universities.
- Self-administered anonymous questionnaires were used for data collection.
Main Results:
- 6.1% of students reported using risky weight control methods.
- Younger females, cigarette smokers, engaged/married students, and those with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) showed increased odds.
- Multivariate analysis identified key demographic and behavioral predictors.
Conclusions:
- Health awareness initiatives are needed to address risky weight reduction methods among Lebanese youth.
- Further research should explore the specific motives and methods employed.
- Interventions should be developed and implemented to promote healthier weight management.