Dietary Patterns And Physical Activities Among University Students In Kogi State, Nigeria In Relation To Obesity.

Background: Nigeria is experiencing a rapid transition of physical activity and nutrition involving less physical participation and increased intake of high calorie foods with poor nutrients. University years are when young people live independently or rise far from home, leading to decreased physical activity participation and adoption of poor dietary patterns. Purpose: this study examined university students dietary patterns and physical activity in Kogi State, Nigeria. Material and Methods: The research design used is descriptive cross-sectional survey with a random sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaire from 320 students selected from the four universities on their dietary patterns and physical activity. Data analysis was conducted via SPPS version 20 and relationships between variables were established through Pearson product moment correlation co efficiency. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant and table was used to present the findings. Results: The results of the study convincingly indicated that students exhibited poor dietary patterns whereby students consumed fast foods, sweetened beverages, and pastries most times in a week. Also, the result showed significant relationship between physical activity and obesity whereby students decreased in vigorous physical activity participation. Conclusion: the study concluded that there is a significant association between dietary patterns, physical activity and obesity among university students in Kogi State, Nigeria.