HEALTHY EATING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF IIUM KUANTAN POST WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAMME PARTICIPATION

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the motivations and barriers that affect female students to maintain their healthy lifestyle practices. Methods: Female students of IIUM Kuantan who participated in The Biggest Winner weight-loss program were interviewed separately to explore their opinion, experience and perceptions regarding healthy lifestyle. In total, there are 11 subjects who completed the interview sessions. This study acknowledged the factors that influences them to either maintain or discontinue their recommended dietary intake and physical activity. Results: This study showed that there are various factors that significantly influence a students’ lifestyle such as hectic schedule of classes, peers influence and lack of healthy food availability.  These factors were further divided into three themes: Individual, social and environmental factors.  Each theme represents both motivational factors or barriers for the participants towards healthy lifestyle. Most of the factors mentioned by the participants are recognized as barriers for them to engage in healthy lifestyle activities. Conclusion: The conceptual framework developed from this study indicates that future intervention to educate the student’s population regarding better lifestyle should consider the individual, social and environmental factors in order to yield an effective intervention outcome. 

Keywords:  Obesity, Diet, Health, Exercise, Eating habits