Prevalence and Awareness of Obesity and Overweight Among Sulaimani University Students in Kurdistan, Iraq

Background: Weight disorders, including obesity and overweight, are major global public health concerns, particularly in developing countries where underweight and obesity coexist. These conditions lead to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. University years are critical for forming lifelong health habits, yet data on obesity prevalence and student awareness remain limited. Aim: To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among university students and evaluate their awareness of these conditions and related health risks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 756 students selected from eight colleges at Sulaimani University, using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through direct interviews, anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist, and hip), and a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic factors, dietary habits, and knowledge about obesity. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 27.5% and 8.6%, respectively. BMI was significantly associated with age, gender, marital status, college, father's education, and family history of obesity (p < 0.05). Poor dietary habits, such as large fast-food portions and low fruit consumption, were also linked to higher BMI. Over half of the students (54.8%) demonstrated good knowledge about obesity, which was significantly associated with healthier BMI categories (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Over one-third of students were overweight or obese, with BMI significantly linked to demographic and familial factors. Despite adequate knowledge among many students, overweight and obesity remained prevalent, indicating that awareness alone is insufficient. Comprehensive interventions addressing lifestyle and environmental factors are required.