Trying to lose weight among non-overweight university students from 22 low, middle and emerging economy countries

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of trying to lose weight among non-overweight in university students and its sociodemographic and behavioural factors from 22 low and middle income and emerging economy countries. In a cross-sectional survey we took anthropometric measurements and used a self-administered questionnaire among 15997 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, Standard deviation=2.8, age range of 16-30 years) from 22 universities in 22 countries. Body mass index (BMI) was used for weight status. Results indicate that 27.1% non-overweight students were trying to lose weight, 34.6% among women and 16.5% among men. Among underweight or normal weight students, 19.0% perceived themselves to be overweight, 11.3% were dieting to lose weight, and 53.5% considered to lose weight of high importance. Multivariate logistic regression found that being female, coming from a low income country, the perception of being overweight, high importance of losing weight, dieting to lose weight, trying to eat fibre, and avoiding foods with fat and cholesterol were associated with trying to lose weight in non-overweight university students. The study found a high prevalence of weight control practices and several specific risk factors were identified that can be utilized in interventions to target unhealthy weight control measures.