AN EXAMINATION OF CAUSES OF OBESITY AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The rate at which obesity rates are increasing around the world is cause for concern. According to the most recent estimates, there are now more than 300 million obese people worldwide. Obesity is distinguished by the presence of an abnormally large amount of fat distributed throughout the body. Obesity has been linked to a wide range of illnesses that are not only incapacitating but also potentially fatal. According to the World Health Organization (2015), obesity is one of the most serious threats to public health in the modern era. According to the majority of previous research, obesity is the result of a persistent energy imbalance. in addition to Latner and Stunkard (2020). Obesity is becoming more prevalent throughout the majority of the world, including Nigeria, and it affects people of all ages, including women and children. Several alternative treatments for this disease have been developed in various parts of the world, including Nigeria. Pharmaceutical interventions, physical activity and food modifications, surgical procedures, and surgical procedures are some of the other therapeutic options. It has been demonstrated that being overweight and underweight are both associated with an increased risk of illness. A person’s fat mass is one of the most important predictors of both health and illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized obesity as a risk factor in 2015. to a variety of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipid problems, in addition to higher morbidity and mortality rates among adults. Bakari and Onyemelukwe (2015) discovered a link between being underweight and diseases like tuberculosis. [An additional citation is required] In Nigeria, an alarming trend indicating an increase in obesity has been observed. This is a source of concern (Treblay & Wilms, 2018). This phenomenon has been attributed to something known as the nutritional shift in the context of emerging countries. According to Flegal and Carol (2018), it is not uncommon for developing countries to have a double burden of obesity (suggesting over-nutrition) on one hand, and underweight (suggesting under-nutrition) on the other.

This is due to the fact that developing countries have a higher proportion of people living in rural areas.

Local governments in a number of countries, as well as national governments in those countries, have launched public health initiatives with the goal of increasing physical activity and decreasing calorie consumption (Tremblay & Wilms, 2018). When it comes to efforts to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity, care must be taken to ensure that the ultimate goal of these campaigns is an attainable and healthy body weight. This is something that must be considered when it comes to efforts to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

obesity (Flegal & Carol, 2018). (Flegal & Carol, 2018). This is especially important to avoid an increase in weight concern and restricted eating as a result of an increase in the number of campaigns aimed at increasing activity levels and lowering excessive food consumption. This is especially important in order to avoid an increase in the number of campaigns aimed at increasing activity levels and lowering excessive food consumption.

1.2 Formulation of the Problem

According to the study’s findings, there is an unacceptably high proportion of overweight or obese students enrolled in the undergraduate program at the University of Lagos. Obesity is a threat to public health due to its prevalence; however, a review of the As a possible response to this threat, relevant literature revealed that several solutions for obesity and weight management are now being implemented all over the world. Increased physical activity, healthier eating habits, and increased access to weight management resources are among these solutions (Tremblay & Wilms, 2018). Many of these weight-loss methods have been shown to be ineffective and to have a wide range of risky side effects, some of which are potentially fatal. Some of these techniques have the potential for fatal complications. As a result, it is critical for individuals to have access to accurate information on weight-loss strategies as well as the risks associated with them.

The goal of this study is to determine the causes of obesity and weight management strategies among university students.

1.3 Purpose of the research

The study’s overarching goal is to investigate the causes of obesity and weight management strategies among university students. The specific goals are as follows:

i. Determine the causes of obesity among university students.

ii. To investigate the impact of obesity on the well-being of university students.

iii. To look into the weight-management strategies used by university students.

iv. Determine whether obesity is restricted to one gender.

1.4 Research Suggestions

This study will provide answers to the following questions.

i. What factors contribute to obesity among university students?

ii. What is the impact of obesity on health?

being a student at a university?

iii. What weight-management strategies do university students employ?

iv. Is obesity restricted to one gender?

1.5 Importance of the Research

It is hoped that by considering such information when making curricular, pedagogical, or program decisions, curriculum planners and school administrators will be better equipped to include knowledge about obesity and weight management strategies in the curriculum for all students. The findings of this study could be used as a foundation for future research on obesity and weight management strategies, providing a data base for future research.

The study will benefit the academic community by adding to the existing literature.

1.6 The scope of the research

The study will determine the causes.

Obesity is common among university students. The study will also look into the impact of obesity on the health of university students. The study will delve deeper into the weight-management strategies used by university students. Finally, the study will determine whether obesity is restricted to one gender. As a result, this study will be restricted to Lagos State University.

1.7 The Study’s Limitations

The researchers encountered minor constraints while conducting the study, as with any human endeavor. Inadequate funds tend to impede the researcher’s efficiency in sourcing relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher chose a moderate sample size. Furthermore, the researcher will concurrently

Combine this research with other academic projects. As a result, the time spent researching will be reduced.

1.8 Definitions of Terms

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the point where it may be harmful to one’s health.

Weight management entails a variety of methods for maintaining a healthy body weight.

Strategy: practice is required to maintain a healthy weight.

 

Leave a Comment