Assessment of physical activity levels among undergraduate medical students at a southwestern college in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

High levels of physical inactivity contribute significantly to the global burden of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Medical students, as future healthcare providers, are pivotal in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic illnesses. However, there is a paucity of research on the physical activity levels of medical students and the effectiveness of current medical curricula in fostering healthy behaviors. Understanding the physical activity profiles of medical students is crucial for identifying gaps in lifestyle medicine (LM) education and developing targeted interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore gaps in LM teaching in the medical school curriculum by examining the physical activity profiles of medical students and their knowledge of the recommended guidelines for physical activity. This cross-sectional study included 250 undergraduate medical students. Data were collected using an online questionnaire administered during the 2023 academic year. Participants aged 18–35 years completed surveys that evaluated their demographics, physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and awareness of physical activity guidelines. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Of the 250 undergraduate medical students who completed the questionnaire, 55% were male. Overweight or obesity affected 42% of participants. In terms of physical activity, 67% reported low levels, 28% moderate levels, and 5% high levels. Female students demonstrated significantly lower levels of moderate physical activity compared to male students (p = 0.008). Additionally, 28% of students reported being aware of physical activity guidelines. This study found low levels of physical activity among undergraduate medical students, with a significant proportion of students classified as overweight or obese. Female students reported lower levels of physical activity compared to male counterparts. While a majority of students engaged in walking, awareness of physical activity guidelines was relatively low. These findings highlight a need for interventions to promote physical activity and incorporate LM education within medical curricula.