Awareness of Obesity and its Risks among Qassim University Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Obesity is a preventable and treatable health issue. This study aimed to know the level of awareness of obesity and its risks among Qassim University students to see how many students pay attention to the dangers of obesity. The duration of this cross-sectional study is 8-10 weeks, and the subjects were the students at Qassim University. An online questionnaire was deployed for 4 weeks using Google Forms. The link to the questionnaire was distributed through social media like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Twitter. At the end of 4 weeks, data collected were tabulated and analyzed. In this study, 508 students were selected out of which 203 were from 18 to 20 ages and 176 from 21 to 24 ages and 65 from 25 to 28 and 60 others responded. Of the study subjects selected, 325 females and 179 males, the levels of the students 144 level 1 and 70 level 10 and 58 level 2 and 49 level 8, and 42 level 3. The study showed that many respondents were aware of the complex nature of the risks of obesity and the possible methods of treatment. The use of modern methods such as effective university education and media programs in promoting community health and health education increases awareness of the risks of obesity and ways to avoid it could be beneficial to promote awareness about obesity and its prevention among youngsters.