Factors associated with fad diets among undergraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia

Zaheid, Nurul Natasha (2020) Factors associated with fad diets among undergraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK3 2020 17.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

Fad diets are any diet plan in defiance of logic, basic biochemistry and appetite which impact the nutritional and health status on those who are practicing fad diets. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine factors associated with fad diets among 188 undergraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Respondents in this study were selected using simple random sampling method. Respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic background, body image perception, self-esteem, sources of information on nutrition and health, nutrition knowledge and fad diet practices. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and waist circumference were conducted. Results showed that most of the respondents dissatisfied with their body image (76.1%), had low self-esteem (62.8%), used online resources (78.2%) and friends/peers (76.6%) as their major sources to get nutrition and health information. The prevalence of practicing fad diet was 45.2%. Living arrangement, friends/peers (verbally), healthcare professional and body mass index were associated with fad diets practices (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study indicated that the majority of undergraduate students in UPM were dissatisfied with their body image and had low self-esteem, used online resources to get health and nutrition information, had good nutrition knowledge but unaware that fad diets are not sustainable for long-term as adopting a healthy and balanced diet that they can follow for a lifetime. These findings suggest a pressing need for dietitians and nutritionists to work together in order to demystify regarding health and nutrition information on social media.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	30 Aug 2023 04:45
Last Modified:	30 Aug 2023 04:45
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1244

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