Prevalence and Associated Factors of Overweight and Obesity among University Students in Abuja, Nigeria: A Mixed-methods Study

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are emerging public health concerns among university students, with physical, social, and psychological consequences. This study assessed the prevalence, associated factors, and experiences of overweight and obesity among undergraduate students at Nile University of Nigeria using a mixed-methods approach. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted among 200 undergraduate students. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Associations between overweight/obesity and selected variables were assessed using chi-square tests. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 purposively selected participants, and data were analysed using the Framework Approach. Quantitative and qualitative findings were subsequently integrated.   Results: The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 41.0%. Car ownership, pregnancy history among female students, selected dietary behaviours, house chores, and parental body morphology showed significant associations with overweight/obesity. Maternal and paternal education, overall physical activity, staircase use, playing opportunities, and several other dietary and physical activity behaviours were not significantly associated. Qualitative findings revealed five major themes: social stigmatisation and discrimination, physical health consequences, institutional barriers to healthy living, family-related stigma and social pressures, and perceived academic consequences of excess body weight. Staring, verbal teasing, fatigue, breathlessness, and chest discomfort were commonly reported. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are common among students and are associated with sociodemographic, behavioural, reproductive, and familial factors. The findings also demonstrate psychosocial, physical, institutional, and academic challenges. University-based interventions should promote healthier food environments, supportive opportunities for physical activity, and strategies to reduce weight-related stigma. Multicentre longitudinal studies are recommended to examine these associations over time and inform prevention strategies in Nigerian universities.