A higher global diet quality score is associated with lower risk of obesity among male university students in Lebanon: a pilot study
2024

Diet Quality and Obesity Risk in Lebanese Male University Students

Sample size: 385 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mourad Najwa, Kharroubi Samer, Nasreddine Lara, Hwalla Nahla

Primary Institution: American University of Beirut

Hypothesis

A higher global diet quality score is associated with lower risk of obesity among male university students in Lebanon.

Conclusion

The study found that a high proportion of male university students in Lebanon are at a higher risk of non-communicable diseases due to their dietary quality.

Supporting Evidence

  • 47% of participants had low GDQS scores, indicating a high risk of NCDs.
  • Individuals in health-related majors had higher GDQS scores.
  • Those with higher GDQS scores had a lower risk of obesity.

Takeaway

This study shows that many young men in Lebanon eat poorly, which can make them more likely to become overweight or sick.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sampling approach and 24-hour dietary recall to assess diet quality and its association with obesity.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to convenience sampling and self-reported dietary intake.

Limitations

The study's findings cannot be generalized beyond the sample of male students at AUB and are limited by its cross-sectional design.

Participant Demographics

Male university students aged 18-24 years from the American University of Beirut.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fnut.2024.1479448

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