Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Tobruk University Students: Associations with Diet Knowledge, Dietary Behaviours, Sedentary Lifestyle, and Physical Activity

• Hamdi Lemamsha

  Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Rida Benfayed

  Tebyan Medical Training and Education Ltd, London, United Kingdom

  Author

• Heba Jawaidah

  Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Ahmed Othman

  Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Hind Ismail

  Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tobruk, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Salem Rages

  Faculty of Medical Technology, Public health, Derna, Libya

  Author

• Murad Buijlayyil

  Faculty of Medical Technology, Public health, Derna, Libya

  Author

• Mohmmed Algebani

  Faculty of Medical Technology, Public health, Derna, Libya

  Author

• Abdulghani Lamamsha

  Services, Health Ministry Derna, Libya

  Author

• Walid Al-Khuram

  National Health Service (NHS), Merseyside, United Kingdom

  Author

• Mohsen Alkmeshi

  Leicester University Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom

  Author

• Malak Ali

  Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Calow, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5BL, United Kingdom

  Author

Overweight and obesity are growing public health concerns among university students because lifestyle changes during early adulthood often promote unhealthy dietary behaviours, physical inactivity, and prolonged sedentary lifestyles. Despite the increasing burden of obesity in Libya, evidence among university students remains limited, particularly in eastern Libya. This study determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Tobruk University students and examined their associations with diet knowledge, dietary behaviours, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 undergraduate students (275 females and 225 males) recruited using a probability-informed sampling approach. Data were collected using a structured paper-based questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, body weight perception, diet knowledge, dietary behaviours, sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and lifestyle attitudes. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference, body fat percentage, visceral fat rating, and body mass index, were obtained using the TANITA RD-545HR Smart Segmental Body Composition Analyser. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28 through descriptive statistics, reliability and validity assessment, normality testing, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 50.0%, comprising 31.0% overweight and 19.0% obesity, with females showing a higher prevalence than males (56.4% versus 42.2%). Body mass index was significantly associated with diet knowledge (r = −0.42, β = −0.38), dietary behaviours (r = 0.47, β = 0.41), sedentary behaviour (r = 0.51, β = 0.45), and physical activity (r = −0.49, β = −0.43) (all p < 0.001), with associations remaining significant after adjustment. These findings support university-based nutrition education, healthier campus environments, increased physical activity, and interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour among Libyan university students.

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