Physical activity and lifestyle choices together influence the accumulation and distribution of body fat. University students are particularly at a heightened risk of body fat accumulation due to lifestyle changes associated with their academic environment. These changes include irregular meal patterns, increased consumption of high-calorie fast foods and reduced physical activity. Accumulation and distribution of body fat is concerning because it contributes to a rise in obesity rates, increasing the risk for metabolic disorders and chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. The sedentary nature of university life, characterized by long hours spent attending lectures, completing assignments and studying for exams, further limits opportunities for regular physical exercise. This study aimed to establish physical activity levels and body fat distribution patterns among university students in Uganda, as well as the relationship between the two. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 students in the second semester of the 2018/2019 academic year. The study assessed four key variables: waist circumference, total body fat percentage (TBF%), abdominal fat level and physical activity levels. Chi-square analysis, and multinomial logistic regression were used to establish the relationship between physical activity and body measurements. Prevalence of obesity was found to be 58.9% and 5.6% on the basis of TBF and abdominal fat, respectively, suggesting a substantial risk of obesity related conditions. Regarding physical activity, only 31.5% engaged in vigorous-intensity physical activity, averaging 1.7 days per week, while 82.1% participated in moderate-intensity physical activity, averaging 4.3 days per week. The odds of having high abdominal fat were reduced by 59% among physically active individuals (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20–0.84, p = 0.017). Individuals who met physical activity recommendations had 62% lower odds of exhibiting central fat accumulation (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21–0.69, p = 0.001). This study highlights a high prevalence of obesity and abdominal fat accumulation among students and reveal beneficial effect of physical activity, particularly moderate-intensity exercise, in reducing body fat and associated health risks. Key words: Obesity, Exercise, Abdominal Fat, Waist Circumference, Body Fat Percentage
Namayengo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.