Lifestyle Habits and Obesity Risk Among Adolescent Medical Students

Introduction. Obesity is a significant public health issue and a prevalent preventable nutritional disor- der. It can result from hereditary factors, prenatal conditions, environmental influences, metabolism, and lifestyle choices. This condition leads to an accu- mulation of adipose tissue and increased body mass.Aim. This study aimed to identify participants’ life- style habits, determine their nutritional status, and assess potential predictors of obesity.Methods. The cross-sectional study included 354 students from the Sarajevo High School of Medicine, of whom 236 (approximately 70%) were female. Par- ticipants were aged 14 to 18 years, with a mean age of 16.32 ± 1.74 years. The study involved collecting anthropometric data from physical education class records and administering a structured questionnaire (socio-demographic characteristics and assessment of life habits) designed for this study.Results. It was found that approximately one quarter of the subjects were overweight/obese. Unhealthy eating habits were prevalent, with around 50% of re- spondents consuming fruits and vegetables every day, 80% consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, snacks and fast food. The Pearson correlation test and linear regression determined that inappropriate eating hab- its, lack of physical activity and pronounced sedentary habits significantly affect the occurrence of excessive body mass/obesity in the subjects.Conclusion. Research shows many adolescents have unhealthy habits and obesity, which pose serious health risks. Early screening and prevention are crucial to reduce these risks and promote long-term health.