Relationship Between Nutritional Adequacy, Online Food Booking And Physical Activity With Obesity In Medan Area University Students In 2018

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The Alarming Rise of Obesity Among University Students: A Study on the Relationship between Nutritional Adequacy, Online Food Booking, and Physical Activity

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity has reached alarming levels worldwide, posing a significant threat to public health. In the digital era, advances in information technology have made it easier to access food, but changes in eating patterns and decreased physical activity have contributed to the rise in obesity. Among university students, excessive eating patterns and lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, affecting their overall health and well-being. This study aims to analyze the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with the prevalence of obesity among Medan Area University students in 2018.

Background

Obesity is a complex health issue that affects individuals of all ages, including university students. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. In Indonesia, the prevalence of obesity among university students is a growing concern, with studies suggesting that up to 30% of students are overweight or obese.

Methodology

This study used a cross-sectional design, involving 100 respondents chosen through incidental sampling techniques. Data was collected through interviews with questionnaires and high measurements and weight using microtoise and scales. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with the prevalence of obesity among Medan Area University students.

Results

The results of the analysis using the chi-square test showed that there was no significant relationship between energy adequacy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates with the incidence of obesity. However, the frequency of online food ordering and physical activity had a significant relationship with obesity, with P values of 0.016 and 0.004, respectively. This suggests that both factors have an impact on student weight.

Furthermore, multiple logistics regression analysis revealed that the variables obtained with the value of P <0.25, namely the adequacy of fat, the type of food, the frequency of ordering, and physical activity, had an Exp B value <1. This shows that there is no one variable that functions as a risk factor for obesity among students.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with obesity among Medan Area University students is complex. While there was no significant relationship between energy adequacy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates with the incidence of obesity, the frequency of online food ordering and physical activity had a significant impact on student weight.

The results of this study have several implications for university students, particularly those who experience excess weight problems or obesity. Firstly, students need to be aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and increasing daily physical activity. This can be achieved by making informed food choices, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive screen time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle among university students. The findings suggest that the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with obesity among Medan Area University students is complex. While there was no significant relationship between energy adequacy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates with the incidence of obesity, the frequency of online food ordering and physical activity had a significant impact on student weight.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • University students should be aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and increasing daily physical activity.
  • Students should make informed food choices, engage in regular physical activity, and avoid excessive screen time.
  • University administrators should provide resources and support to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as fitness classes, nutrition counseling, and stress management programs.
  • Parents and guardians should encourage their children to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet.

Closing

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle among university students. The findings suggest that the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with obesity among Medan Area University students is complex. By being aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and increasing daily physical activity, university students can reduce their risk of obesity and improve their overall health and well-being.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the temporal relationships between the variables.
  • The study did not control for other potential confounding variables, such as socioeconomic status and family history of obesity.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate the findings of this study using a larger sample size and a more robust research design. Additionally, studies should investigate the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with obesity among university students from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

References

  • World Health Organization. (2018). Obesity and overweight.
  • Ministry of Health of Indonesia. (2018). National Health Policy.
  • Medan Area University. (2018). Student Health Policy.

Appendix

  • Questionnaire used in the study
  • Data collection procedures
  • Data analysis procedures
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Nutritional Adequacy, Online Food Booking, and Physical Activity with Obesity among University Students

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with the prevalence of obesity among Medan Area University students in 2018.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle among university students. The findings suggest that the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with obesity among Medan Area University students is complex.

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study are:

  • There was no significant relationship between energy adequacy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates with the incidence of obesity.
  • The frequency of online food ordering and physical activity had a significant relationship with obesity.
  • Multiple logistics regression analysis revealed that the variables obtained with the value of P <0.25, namely the adequacy of fat, the type of food, the frequency of ordering, and physical activity, had an Exp B value <1.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are:

  • University students should be aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and increasing daily physical activity.
  • Students should make informed food choices, engage in regular physical activity, and avoid excessive screen time.
  • University administrators should provide resources and support to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as fitness classes, nutrition counseling, and stress management programs.
  • Parents and guardians should encourage their children to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

  • The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the temporal relationships between the variables.
  • The study did not control for other potential confounding variables, such as socioeconomic status and family history of obesity.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study are:

  • Replicating the findings of this study using a larger sample size and a more robust research design.
  • Investigating the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with obesity among university students from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Q: What are the recommendations for university students?

A: The recommendations for university students are:

  • Be aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and increasing daily physical activity.
  • Make informed food choices, engage in regular physical activity, and avoid excessive screen time.
  • Seek support from university administrators and parents/guardians to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Q: What are the recommendations for university administrators?

A: The recommendations for university administrators are:

  • Provide resources and support to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as fitness classes, nutrition counseling, and stress management programs.
  • Encourage students to make informed food choices and engage in regular physical activity.
  • Develop policies and programs to promote healthy lifestyles among students.

Q: What are the recommendations for parents/guardians?

A: The recommendations for parents/guardians are:

  • Encourage their children to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
  • Support their children in making informed food choices and engaging in regular physical activity.
  • Seek support from university administrators and healthcare professionals to help their children maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Q: What are the next steps for this study?

A: The next steps for this study are:

  • Replicating the findings of this study using a larger sample size and a more robust research design.
  • Investigating the relationship between nutritional adequacy, online food booking, and physical activity with obesity among university students from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Developing policies and programs to promote healthy lifestyles among university students.