Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, likely due to a combination of poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles. Young Saudi females face increasing societal pressure related to family life and higher education. Previous studies suggest that the transition to higher education at the university level, particularly in health-related disciplines, is a critical period for the development of unhealthy lifestyle. In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in weight, appetite, and physical activities among medical students over time and compare them with those of nonmedical students. METHODS: In this 5-month prospective cohort study, we evaluated changes in weight, appetite, and physical activity among normal-weight females enrolled in medical (n = 25) and business (n = 26) programs at the University of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during a single academic semester. RESULTS: Business students experienced a small but significant weight loss (approximately 1.7%, p = 0.03), while medical students showed no change in weight (p = 0.83). However, in both groups, waist circumference increased significantly (3%-4%; p = 0.012), suggesting a shift toward central fat accumulation. Total physical activity, particularly low-intensity activity, decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.03). Sedentary time increased in business students but decreased among medical students (time-by-group interaction, p = 0.003). Diastolic blood pressure followed an opposite pattern; it decreased significantly in business students (-6.3%) and increased significantly in medical students (+3.0%; time-by-group interaction, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Different academic disciplines were not associated with weight gain among initially normal-weight Saudi females. Both groups experienced an unfavorable shift in body fat redistribution (increased waist circumference), likely driven by reduced physical activity. These changes may exacerbate long-term health risks even in the absence of overt obesity, underscoring the need for lifestyle interventions.