University students' perceptions and factors contributing to obesity and overweigh in Southern of Morocco

Background: Weight load is a cosmopolitan health problem. In Morocco, women are the most affected by the phenomenon since obesity has risen from 26.8% to 29.0%. Objective: To determine the prevalence of weight load and associated factors among female students in higher education. Methods: Data were collected by a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were made using a scale and a wall-mount- ed scale. Data were analysed by the statistical software SPSS version 13.0. Quantitative variables were described in mean ± standard deviation. Factors associated with obesity were determined by binary logistic regression. Results: About two-thirds of the students had a normal weight, 21% were overweight and 3% were obese. In addition, 58% of students were physically inactive and 77% ate cake and fast food. In addition, 63% of students were dissatisfied with their weight. A significant relationship is found between level of primary education, type of establishment, cake and fast food consumption and weight load. Conclusion: The results revealed that 24% of participants were weight load and had behavioral risk factors such as a sed- entary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet, which requires the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among these students as well as psychological support for those dissatisfied with their body image. Keywords: Weight load; obesity; overweight; perception; female students; higher education; Morocco.