Evaluation of the Prevalence, Perception, and Factors Associated with Obesity Among Pharmacy Students

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern among university students and is influenced by lifestyle and behavioral factors. This study assessed the prevalence of being overweight and obesity and their associated lifestyle factors among pharmacy students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students at the College of Pharmacy, National University of Sciences and Technology, Muscat, Oman. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, stress-related behaviors, and obesity perceptions. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed using SPSS (p < 0.05). Results: The sample size of this study was 139. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 42.4%. More than 46% of students consumed fast food, 41% frequently snacked between meals, and over 43% reported late-night eating. Sedentary behaviors were common, with 64% reporting prolonged sitting. Academic stress affected over 59% of participants, while 37% reported stress-related eating. BMI was significantly associated with stress-related eating (p = 0.034) and family history of obesity (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Overweight and obesity were common among pharmacy students, highlighting the need for targeted university-based interventions.