14 Low physical activity level (PAL) is associated with the increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes (Penedo & Dahn 2005). A number of local studies have attempted to quantify the physical activity levels of South Africans (Pengpid & Peltzer 2013; Pengpid & Peltzer 2010; Bourne, Lambert, Steyn 2002).
Western beauty ideals and related body image dissatisfaction
The study findings showed a link between ethnicity, culture and body image in terms of differences in determining fat body size. The results of the current study will be presented in this chapter according to the study objectives described in chapter 1. Most of the participants who were engaged in moderate physical activity (30%), participated in two days of the week.
Regarding participants' weight management practices, the majority of the study sample 59.1% weighed themselves monthly 61.0%. Based on the participant's “feeling” versus “ideal” body size, an FID score was calculated as an indicator of the level of body size dissatisfaction the participants experienced. However, assessment of barriers to physical activity was beyond the scope of the current study.
Regarding participants' weight management practices, the majority of the study group (59.1%) weighed themselves. This showed a link between ethnicity, culture and body image in terms of the differences in defining fat body size (Mchiza et al. 2005). The relationship between race and BMI was expected, as the majority of study participants were black (86.7%), followed by Asians (10.7%).
The aim of the current study was to determine BMI, body image perception and potential factors associated with weight loss practices of female undergraduate students at the Pietermaritzburg campus, UKZN. Guidelines for data processing and analysis of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short and long forms.
Female body image perceptions and related factors ................................................ 20-21
Determining body image dissatisfaction .................................................................. 23-24
International as well as local studies have attempted to quantify body image dissatisfaction by developing measures or indices to determine the degree of body image dissatisfaction of individuals or groups being assessed (Mchiza et al 2005). The latter can therefore vary between -8 and 8+, implying that a BD rating greater than zero (> 0) is an indication that the respondent's current body image (BI) is greater than their ideal/desired BI.
Dietary diversity and dietary habits of university students ....................................... 25-27
Lack of dietary diversity has often been shown to be a consequence of low socioeconomic status and attributed to being one of the main causes of poor nutrition and an increase in the prevalence of NCDs among those of lower economic status (Faber & Wenhold 2007). The above is evident among SA university students who are recipients of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), as they are often from disadvantaged backgrounds and rely on NSFAS funding to take care of food and necessities other basic (Department of Higher Education and Training 2011).
- Study design
- Study population and sample selection
- Study population
- Sample selection
- Study methods and materials ..................................................................................... 29-35
- Measuring instruments .............................................................................................. 30-35
- Pilot study
- Variables included in the study, data capturing and statistical analysis ................... 37-38
- Validity ..................................................................................................................... 38-39
- Summary
This was followed by the researcher reviewing the content of the research instrument with the field workers. Participants were asked to stand on the center of the scale platform with their weight evenly distributed between their two feet. Participants were asked to place their feet together in the center at the base of the table.
After completing the nutrition knowledge questions, a nutrition knowledge score was calculated for each participant. Participants were then requested to complete the survey questionnaire in the presence of the primary investigator for the provision of clarification and assistance if necessary. After completing the questionnaire, field workers examined the research instrument to determine whether all sections were completed.
This included a weighing station, altimeter station, as well as an area where the completion of the research instrument took place.
Socio-demographic results
Meal preparation and consumption of take-aways
BMI of study participants
Table 4.4 shows that the majority of participants had a normal BMI of 48.1%, followed by almost two-fifths (19%) who were overweight.
Physical activity ........................................................................................................ 43-44
Of the participants who walked for at least ten minutes at a time, the majority (41.9%) did so seven days a week. 48 Based on the majority of answers to each question that forms part of the multiple choice section of the nutrition knowledge questionnaire, (57.9%) questions were answered correctly. So what was clear was that participants were not aware of the fact that consuming a variety of foods is the cornerstone of healthy eating habits, and that starchy foods should form the basis of every meal.
In addition, the participants were not aware of the foods to be consumed when trying to lose weight. 49 Table 4.9 presents the participants' answers to the true/false part of the nutritional knowledge questionnaire. Based on the responses to each question included in the true/false portion of the nutrition knowledge questionnaire, 75% of the questions were answered correctly.
The questions answered incorrectly followed a similar trend to the responses in the multiple-choice section of the nutrition knowledge questionnaire, as it alluded to the fact that participants were not aware that starchy foods should form the basis of most meals and that drinking boiled water is not a good aid for weight loss.
Relationship between variables…………………………………………………….56-59
- Relationship between means of perceived body size (“feel”) and desired body size
The silhouette participants thought best describes their body size The silhouette participants thought best describes their body size. feel”) in relation to the body size they wanted to have (“ideal”). Highly significant (p<0.000) positive correlations were documented for BMI and the following variables: silhouette participants thought best described their body size, the body size participants wanted to have, and FID. Other significant positive correlations included the relationship between participants' age versus the silhouette they believed best described their body size ("feeling") (p<0.012) and participant's age versus FID index score (p = 0.044).
A significant negative correlation was documented for nutrition knowledge score versus the silhouette participants thought best described their body size ("feel") (p = 0.023), while a highly significant negative correlation was documented for participant FID index score versus the body size they wanted to have (“ideal”) (p<0.000). The silhouette participants thought best described their body size versus FID index score, as well as the silhouette participants thought best described their body size versus the body size they wanted ("ideal") had highly significant positive correlations (p<0.000) . Highly significant (p<0.000) positive correlations were documented for BMI and the following variables: silhouette participants thought best described their body size, participants' desired body size, and FID index score.
Interestingly, significant negative correlations were documented for the nutrition knowledge score compared to the silhouette that participants felt best described their body size (“feel”) (p = 0.023), while a highly significant negative correlation for the FID index score of the participants compared to the body size they wanted to have (“ideal”) (p<0.000).
Introduction
Socio-demographic characteristics
Meal preparation and consumption of take-aways ................................................... 62-63
Low level of physical activity (PAL) is associated with increased risk of developing NCDs such as CVD, cancer and diabetes (Penedo & Dahn 2005). Similar to the findings of the current study, most students did not know that starch should be consumed more, but were aware that fat and sugar intake should be limited. The above findings on body weight perceptions were not expected, as the results showed that (70%) of the participants perceived themselves to be of normal weight.
The current study's findings can be compared with an American study that investigated the body size perception of women, found that 56% of the overweight (BMI greater than 25 kg/m2) and 40% of the obese (BMI greater than 30 kg /m2) participants did so. do not consider themselves overweight or obese. In light of the literature presented, the current study's results regarding weight management suggest that participants who engaged in weight management did so because of body image dissatisfaction, as the majority of participants who did not engage in weight management practices were not (37.4%) indicated that the reason they did not try to lose weight was that they were satisfied with their body weight, followed by (35%) indicating that they considered their body weight to be normal. The findings of the present study do not agree with the conclusion reached by a local study that used a similar method to measure BD (FID).
Here, it is worth noting that the present study documented a preference or desire for a smaller body size, consistent with the mean FID index score, which is of interest, as more than half of the participants had either a normal body weight (48.1) %) or were underweight (4.4%) according to the BMI classification.
Dietary diversity
Relationship between continuous variables……………………………………… 69-72
There was a significant positive correlation (p=0.024) between time spent on vigorous physical activity and FID index score. This correlation may indicate a positive relationship between dissatisfaction with body image and time spent on vigorous physical activity. The association between first-year female college students' body mass index and their weight-related perceptions and practices, psychological health, physical activity, and other physical health indicators.
Health perceptions, self and body image, physical activity and nutrition among university students in Israel. Exercise and well-being: an overview of the mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity. Body image and weight perceptions in relation to actual measurements by means of a new physical activity index and scale in Italian university students.
Perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity in a nationally representative sample in the European Union. Intensive activity on at least 3 days achieving a minimum total physical activity of at least 1500 MET minutes per week OR. Scoring a LOW level of physical activity on the IPAQ means that you do not meet any of the criteria for a MODERATE or HIGH level of physical activity.
Conclusion of study ................................................................................................... 75-76
- Study Limitations
- Recommendations for improvement of study
Recommendations for nutrition practice
Implications for further research ................................................................................ 77-78
Assessment of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to physical activity among health college students, southwest Saudi Arabia. Physical activity and quality of life among university students: exploring self-efficacy, self-esteem, and affect as potential mediators. College students' motivation for physical activity: differentiating men's and women's motivations for participating in sports and.
Schmalz DL, Deane GD, Birch LL, Davison KK (2007) A longitudinal assessment of the associations between physical activity and self-esteem in non-Hispanic women in early adolescence. If you score a HIGH level of physical activity on the IPAQ, it means that your physical activity level is equivalent to approximately one hour of activity per day or more, at least a moderate intensity activity level. 7 or more days of a combination of walking, moderate-intensity or vigorous-intensity activities, achieving a minimum total physical activity of at least 3000 MET minutes per week.
Scoring a moderate level of physical activity on the IPAQ means that you are doing more than likely the equivalent of half an hour of at least moderate-intensity physical activity on most days. 5 or more days of any combination of walking, moderate-intensity, or vigorous-intensity activities that achieve a minimum total physical activity of at least 600 MET minutes per week. You can add the MET minutes achieved in each category (walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity) to get the total MET minutes of physical activity per week.
