Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nursing students are future healthcare leaders who play a significant role in promoting community health. A deeper understanding of obesity and related lifestyle factors enables them to develop better awareness regarding the prevention and management of obesity among individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to assess the association with lifestyle practices among undergraduate nursing students. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at RAKCON University, from February to April 2024. Using convenience sampling, 187 undergraduate nursing students were recruited from a total population of 357. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle practices. The researchers measured the height and weight of the students initially to calculate the Body Mass Index. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests to examine associations between variables. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the predictors. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (54%) were aged 20 or younger; 67.9% were females. The majority (94.1%) were Arab. More than half (51.3%) had a normal BMI, while 15.5% were obese. There were statistically significant associations in weight change over the last 6 months (X2 = 8.69, p = .03), fast-food consumption (FET = 19.1, p = .01), consumption of soft/sugar-sweetened drinks (FET = 18.4, p = .02), and exercise habits (X2 = 13.90, p = .03). The regression analysis, the model explained 4.3% of BMI variance (R(2) = .043) and was not statistically significant, F (4, 182) = 2.03, p = .092; no individual predictor reached p < .05. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity were present among nursing students and associated with selected lifestyle practices, particularly fast-food and carbonated drinks/sweetened drinks, and exercise habits. Targeted health-promotion strategies and educational programs are needed to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce future obesity-related risks.