Publication: Meal pattern of university students and its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and the risk of eating disorders
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Date
2025-06
Authors
Nazman, Bibi Imin Haiyin
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Abstract
Eating disorders are critical psychiatric disorders that are determined by ongoing abnormalities in eating habits and associated thinking and feelings about foodstuff, body weight, and build up. This cross-sectional study examined the correlation between the meal pattern, body mass index (BMI), and risk of an eating disorder (ED) amongst the 206 undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. Anthropometric measurements were taken and data recorded using structured self-administered questionnaires which were developed based on NHMS 2014 Meal Pattern Questionnaire and the Malay-validated EAT-26. Results showed that breakfast was the greatest meal not consumed with 56.3% eating it less than four times a week whereas lunch and dinner were taken regularly. Majority of students accessed food in campus cafeteria and dined alone. A remarkable 90.3% were found at risk of ED and it was considerably more prevalent in females (p=0.031) and Malay students (p=0.040). Nevertheless, statistical results indicated no significant association between frequency of breakfast (p=0.673), lunch (p=0.840), dinner (p=0.779), or heavy meals after dinner (p=0.111) with BMI, or with ED risk (all p-values > 0.05). These results show that abnormal meal patterns do not necessarily have direct implications in expedited health outcomes, unless other lifestyle and psychological factors are taken into account. The research presents the necessity of interaction between nutrition and mental health intervention specifically designed to address the university population to promote better health behavior and assist in the prevention of ED
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