AN EXAMINATION OF CAUSES OF OBESITY AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The rapidity with which obesity rates are rising all throughout the world is a major reason for worry. According to the most current estimates, there are now more than 300 million people all across the world who are obese. The condition known as obesity is distinguished by the presence of an abnormally large quantity of fat distributed throughout the body. Obesity has been connected to a broad variety of illnesses that are not only incapacitating but also have the potential to be lethal. Obesity is, according to the World Health Organization's (2015) assessment, one of the most significant threats to public health that exists in the modern world. Obesity is the outcome of a persistent energy imbalance, as stated by the majority of previous research, as well as by Latner and Stunkard (2020). Obesity is growing increasingly widespread throughout the majority of the world, including in Nigeria, and it affects individuals of all ages, including women and children. Several alternative strategies for curing this ailment have been created in various regions of the world, such as Nigeria, for example. Some of the other therapeutic possibilities include pharmaceutical interventions, physical activity and food modifications, surgical procedures, and surgical procedures. It has been shown that an increased risk of having sickness is associated with both being overweight and being underweight. The amount of fat carried by a person is one of the most important predictors of both health and illness. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized that obesity is associated to a variety of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and lipid problems, in addition to higher morbidity and mortality rates among adults. Researchers Bakari and Onyemelukwe (2015) found a correlation between being underweight and diseases such as tuberculosis. [Further citation is required] An alarming trend that alludes to a rise in obesity has been seen rising in Nigeria. This is a cause for concern (Treblay & Wilms, 2018). Within the context of rising countries, this phenomena has been attributed to something that is known as the nutritional shift. According to the findings of Flegal and Carol (2018), it is not unusual for developing nations to have a double burden of obesity (suggesting over-nutrition) on the one hand, and underweight (suggesting under-nutrition) on the other hand. This is because developing nations tend to have a higher proportion of people who live in rural areas.

Public health initiatives have been initiated by the local governments of a number of countries, in addition to the national governments of such nations, with the objectives of increasing the amount of physical activity and lowering the amount of calories consumed (Tremblay & Wilms, 2018). When it comes to efforts that are aimed at reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity, care must be taken to ensure that the ultimate goal of these campaigns is a body weight that is both attainable and healthy. This is something that must be taken into consideration when it comes to efforts that are aimed at reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity (Flegal & Carol, 2018). This is especially important in order to prevent an increase in weight concern and constrained eating as a result of an increase in the number of campaigns targeted at improving levels of activity and lowering excessive amounts of food consumption. This is especially crucial in order to prevent an increase in the number of campaigns targeted at improving levels of activity and lowering excessive amounts of food consumption.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The results of the study indicate that there is an unacceptably high incidence of students who are overweight or obese who are enrolled in the undergraduate program at the University of Lagos. The prevalence of obesity makes it a threat to public health; however, a review of the relevant literature revealed that several solutions for obesity and weight management are now being put into practice all over the globe as a possible response to this threat. These solutions include increased physical activity, healthier eating habits, and increased access to weight management resources (Tremblay & Wilms, 2018). It has been shown that a lot of these methods for weight management are ineffective and come with a wide range of risky side effects, some of which have the potential to be fatal. Some of these techniques are also laden with the potential for fatal complications. Because of this, it is quite necessary for individuals to have access to accurate information on the strategies for weight management as well as the hazards that are linked with them. This study's objective is to ascertain  causes of obesity and weight management strategies among university students.

1.3       Objective of the study

The general objective of the study is to examine the causes of obesity and weight management strategies among university students. The specific objectives is as follows:

i.          To find out the causes of obesity among University students.

ii.        To examine  the effect of obesity on the well being of University students

iii.      To investigate the weight management strategies adopted by University students.

iv.      To assess if obesity is limited to one gender.

1.4       Research Questions

The following questions will be answered in this study.

i.          What are the causes of obesity among University students?

ii.        What is  the effect of obesity on the well being of University students?

iii.      What are the weight management strategies adopted by University students?

iv.      Is obesity only limited to one gender?

1.5       Significance of the Study

It is hoped that curriculum planners and school administrators may be better equipped to include knowledge about obesity and weight management strategy in the curriculum to all students by considering such information when making curricular, pedagogical or program decisions. The findings of this research may serve as a basis for research work in the area of obesity and weight management strategy thus provide data base for further research.

The study will be benefit to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6       Scope of the study

The study will find out the causes of obesity among University students. The study will also examine  the effect of obesity on the well being of University students. The study will further investigate the weight management strategies adopted by University students. Lastly, the study will assess if obesity is limited to one gender. Hence this study will be delimited to Lagos state University.

1.7       Limitation of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8       Definition Of Terms

Obesity: is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health.

Weight management: involves various methods of keeping body weight at a healthy level.

Strategy: practice necessary to keep one’s weight at a healthy level.