Breakfast Consumption, BMI, and Physical Activity Among Undergraduates in Kelantan

Abstract

Breakfast is an important meal as it provides energy and supports overall health. However, many young adults, especially university students, tend to skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast has been linked to weight problems and lower levels of physical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between breakfast consumption patterns with body mass index (BMI) and physical activity among undergraduate students at the USM Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. This cross-sectional study involved 116 undergraduates selected through convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire consisted of four sections: socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and breakfast consumption patterns. The majority of respondents were female (81.0%), aged between 19 and 23 years (90.5%), with a mean age of 21.90 ± 1.40 years. Most were third-year students (32.8%), from the School of Health Sciences (PPSK) students (87.1%), and of Malay ethnicity (64.7%). More than half (58.6%) spent between RM10–15 daily on food, with a mean of RM14.66 ± 6.03, and received a monthly allowance of RM500–1000, with a mean of RM553.73 ± 261.78. A total of 38.8% received study loans, and 97.4% stayed in campus hostels. Based on BMI classification, 11.2% were underweight, 43.1% of normal weight, 29.3% overweight, and 16.4% obese. Regarding physical activity, 45.7% reported moderate levels, while 55.2% were breakfast skippers. However, no significant association was found between breakfast consumption pattern and BMI (p=0.267) or physical activity (p=0.279). Although no significant associations were found, breakfast skipping remains common, highlighting the need for healthy eating promotion and broader studies on dietary and lifestyle.