Lifestyle behaviours, dietary habits, physical activity and biochemical measurements in Saudi University students

Introduction: Students worldwide are affected by lifestyle-related diseases. Hence, it was planned to study the association among dietary habits, physical activity, other lifestyle behaviours and biochemical measurements in Saudi university students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 747 (347 males and 400 females) 18 to 21-year-old healthy students enrolled in the introductory year. Anthropometric measurements, behavioural risk factors (physical activity, dietary pattern, sleep duration and screen time etc) and biochemical variations were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results: Significant differences for male vs. female were found for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and percent body fat (PBF). Other measurements showing significant variation were the sum of moderate-intensity activity (METs-min/week), sum of vigorous-intensity activity (METs-min/week), total screen time (hour/day), sleep duration (hour/day), fruit intake (day/week), French fries/potato chips intake (day/week), cake, donut or biscuits intake (day/week) and sweets or chocolates intake (day/week). Conclusion: The present study reveals significant impact of unhealthy diet (sweets and fries) and obesity status, low levels of physical activity and high screen time with less sleep duration among university students. Hence, promoting positive physical activity and healthier eating habits should be implemented throughout university education in Saudi Arabia.