Assessment of Dietary Habits and its association with Obesity and Menstrual Irregularities among Medical Undergraduates: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy dietary behaviors, particularly frequent junk food consumption, have emerged as a major public health concern among young adults. Despite adequate knowledge of nutrition, medical undergraduates are frequently exposed to academic stress, irregular schedules, and unhealthy food environments, predisposing them to poor dietary habits. These behaviors may contribute not only to obesity but also to adverse reproductive health outcomes such as menstrual irregularity.
Methods: A college-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 medical undergraduate students aged 18–25 years. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing dietary habits, junk food consumption patterns, and associated factors. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated using WHO Asia-Pacific criteria. Menstrual history was obtained from female participants. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Frequent junk food consumption was common, with 43.6% of participants consuming junk food 2–4 times weekly and 27.6% consuming it more than four times weekly. Only 25.2% reported daily fruit intake, whereas 39.6% consumed fruits less than three times per week. Meal skipping was reported by 55.2% of participants, and 52.8% consumed sugary beverages at least three times weekly. Overall, 24.4% of participants were overweight and 22.4% were obese. Frequent junk food consumption (>4 times/week) (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.5–6.5; p=0.002), low fruit intake (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3–5.3; p=0.011), and meal skipping (AOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.8; p=0.020) were independent predictors of obesity. Among female students, frequent junk food consumption (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.4–6.0; p=0.004), obesity (AOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2–5.2; p=0.016), and meal skipping (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0–3.4; p=0.040) were independently associated with menstrual irregularity.
Conclusion: Unhealthy dietary practices are highly prevalent among medical undergraduates and are significantly associated with both obesity and menstrual irregularity. Frequent junk food consumption, inadequate fruit intake, and meal skipping represent important modifiable risk factors. Institution-based nutritional education and behavioral interventions are essential to promote healthier dietary practices, improve metabolic and reproductive health, and encourage lifelong healthy lifestyle behaviors among future healthcare professionals.