Assessment of Gender Variations in Weight Control Behaviours Amongst Undergraduates in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background of the study: Weight control is increasingly becoming one of the most discussed topics amongst the youths due to adverse social and medical conditions associated with extremes body weight. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the gender variations in weight control behaviors amongst undergraduates in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, South-South, Nigeria. Materials and methods: The study involved 600 apparently healthy students (including 249 males and 351 females) who responded to an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the weight control strategies applied by undergraduates are typically aimed at either maintaining or reducing their present body weight. More of the males are satisfied with their weight and would engage in regular exercise to maintain it. Females had a high tendency to be dissatisfied with their body weight and shape and would associate their overweight with overfeeding. Although exercise was the most common weight control measure adopted by both male and female respondents, only 20.5% of them engaged in regular exercise. 51.4% of subjects did not consider applying any weight control measure necessary. Dietary restriction was more commonly adopted by females. The most commonly skipped meal by both male and female undergraduates was lunch. However, more females skipped dinner in other to lose weight. Conclusion: The present study suggests that body weight perception is a very important determinant of weight control behavior. Social acceptance is a common phenomenon amongst female undergraduates who are also more concerned about their body weight and shape.