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Growth charts based on measurements of Malay pre-schoolchildren

Dugdale AE, MacKay DA, Lim RK, Notaney KH

Med J Malaya, 1972 Dec;27(2):85-8.
PMID: 4268045
Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext A comparative study of aerobic capacity – VO2 max between common ethnic populations of Sabah, Malaysia

Nagesh Chodankar N., Vinoth Kumar, Urban John Arnold D’Souza, Ahmad Faris Abdullah

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):47-47.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Aerobic power reflects the physical fitness of the individual. Evidences support differences in phys-iological responses to exercise. There is less data on VO2 max among common ethnic population of Sabah. Ob-jective of this study was to investigate VO2 max among Kadazan, Dusun, Brunei Melayu, Bugis, Murut and others of Sabah in male and female young adult population. Methods: A total of 385 participants were randomly selected. Monark 894 E leg bicycle ergo meter was used to measure aerobic power VO2 max. Based on the heart rate male and female respectively 450 & 300 kilogram-force meter/minute was chosen. Based on Astrand rhyming nomogram (age correction factor included-VO2 Max multiplied by 1.05) calculations Vo2Max was calculated in l/min. The age correction done VO2 Max (l/min) was multiplied by 1000 and later divided by the body weight to derive the actual VO2Max in ml/kg/min. The recovery heart rate after 1 minute was taken and the difference were calculated for the further analysis. Data was tabulated and analysed by one way ANOVA test - Hocherberg’s GT2. Results: There was no significant difference in VO2 max between the common ethnic young adult population both in males and fe-males. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in VO2 max among the common ethnic adult but have a similar aerobic capacity in the study group.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Multimorbidity After Surgical Menopause Treated with Individualized Classical Homeopathy: A Case Report

Mahesh S, Denisova T, Gerasimova L, Pakhmutova N, Mallappa M, Vithoulkas G

Clin Med Insights Case Rep, 2020;13:1179547620965560.
PMID: 33149716 DOI: 10.1177/1179547620965560

Classical homeopathy was shown to be beneficial in climacteric syndrome in many studies, but the clinical effect is unclear. To inspect if individualized classical homeopathy has a role in treating complaints after surgical menopause through real world case, we present a case of a 54-year-old Russian woman treated with individualized classical homeopathy for multimorbid conditions after surgical menopause examined for changes from homeopathic treatment. We assessed changes in climacteric symptoms, changes in comorbidities, and the general well-being of the patient. The woman had severe climacteric syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, dyslipidemia, obesity, hepatic steatosis, pancreatic lipomatosis, gall bladder disease, and mild subclinical hypothyroidism to begin with. She was treated with individualized classical homeopathy and followed up for 31 months. She was relieved of the vasomotor symptoms and psychological disturbances of climacteric syndrome, her weight reduced, the ultrasound scan showed absence of lipomatosis/gall bladder disease/hepatic steatosis. Blood tests showed reduction of thyroid stimulating hormone and a balance in the lipid status. Individualized classical homeopathy may have a role in the climacteric syndrome and comorbidities after surgical menopause. The efficacy of homeopathic therapy in climacteric problems must be scientifically investigated further.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext The use of weight loss products among overweight and obese patients in Malaysia

Murni Aliza Abd Malik, Noor Azimah Muhammad, Mohd Fairuz Ali

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(1):23-30.
MyJurnal

Local profiles on the use of weight loss products are scarce. The study aims to address this together with concerns on the users’ misperception of the safety of these products, and the absence of high-quality evidence to support such use. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in overweight and obese patients attending a public primary care clinic in Penang. Selected patients were given a set of self-administered questionnaire that assessed types of weight loss products used, factors that influenced the usage and the users’ perception of their own body weight and the diet products they are taking. Results: From 332 participants of this study, 18.7% were users. Mean age of users were 44.6 (SD 11.9) years. The majority (66.1%) only used dietary supplements, 11.3% used weight loss medications and the rest (22.6%) used both products. Reasons for its use were for health, a faster result to lose weight and failing dieting and exercise regimes. The average amount spent on this was RM100 per month. Commonest source of weight loss products were friends. Majority (80.6%) did not discuss the use of the products with doctors. Factors associated with the use of weight loss products were being female (AOR=5.59), had tertiary level education (AOR=2.27), being employed (AOR=3.42), self-perceived of overweight (AOR=3.61) and perception that weight loss products as safe (AOR 2.48). Conclusion: Users of weight loss products are among highly educated working females who perceived themselves as being overweight and assume the products are safe.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Erectile dysfunction (ED), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and testosterone deficiency (TD): Men's major concern (MMC) - An important portal for promoting men's health?

Tan WP, Fong ZV, Tong SF, Low WY, Tan HM

Journal of Men's Health, 2011;8:S81-S83.
DOI: 10.1016/S1875-6867(11)60029-8

Background: Men's major concern (MMC) is a common quality of life issue affecting the aging male population. This paper examines the association between MMC and cardiometabolic diseases in Malaysian men in an urban setting.
Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted in an urban area involving 1046 men, aged over 40 years and above, who were randomly selected using the electoral roll in Selangor Malaysia. Participants were assessed by trained doctors using structured questionnaire which included medical history, IIEF-5 to assess men's erectile dysfunction and IPSS score to assess prostatic symptoms. Clinical assessments including blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference were performed. In addition, biochemical assessments for fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were done.
Results: The response rate was 62.8%. The mean age of the participants was 55.8±8.4 (range: 41-93) years. Around two fifth of the participants (39.8%) had no MMC, 28.4% were diagnosed with 1 MMC, 9.9% with 2MMCs and 1.2% with 3MMCs. Increasing number of MMCs were significantly associated with increasing rate of cardiometabolic diseases (No MMC = 26.2%, 1 MMC = 43.4%, 2 MMCs = 63.5% and 3 MMCs = 69.2%) (P < 0.01) and metabolic syndrome based on Asian criteria (No MMC = 21.5%, 1 MMC = 39.0%, 2 MMCs = 49.1%, 3 MMCs = 62.5%) (P < 0.01). Participants with one or more MMC significantly showed a higher proportion of undiagnosed diabetes as well as reported diabetes (No MMC = 1.7%, 1 or more MMCs = 3.6%) when compared to participants without MMC (P ≤ 0.01).
Conclusions: Men's Major Concerns (e.g., ED, LUTS and TD) were associated with cardiometabolic diseases and collectively, they could be used as an important portal to men's health. © 2011 WPMH GmbH.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext The Acute Effects of Oral Administration of Phytic Acid-Chitosan-Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Mice

Mohd Tamsir N, Mohd Esa N, Shafie NH, Hussein MZ, Hamzah H, Abdullah MA

Int J Mol Sci, 2019 Aug 23;20(17).
PMID: 31450737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174114

A nanocomposite, phytic acid-chitosan-magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IP6-CS-MNPs) has been used to treat colon cancer in vitro, previously. However, its potential toxicity in vivo has yet to be elucidated. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of oral administration of IP6-CS-MNPs in mice. In this study, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of IP6-CS-MNPs were orally administered to two different groups of BALB/c mice, once. Additionally, the mice in the control group were given only deionized water. After 14 days of post-IP6-CS-MNPs administration, in a similar way to the untreated mice, the treated mice showed no sign of mortality and abnormalities. However, the serum urea level of mice receiving 2000 mg/kg b.w of IP6-CS-MNPs was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The mice that received 1000 mg/kg IP6-CS-MNPs showed a significantly higher level of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to the control group. However, there were no significant histopathological changes seen in the liver and kidneys of treated mice compared to the untreated group.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Profile of isokinetic rotator cuff muscle performance in adolescent state-level weightlifters

Abdul Rahim MF, Shaharudin S

J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Dec;13(6):572-575.
PMID: 31435380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2018.08.001

Objectives: This study aimed to determine isokinetic profiles of rotator cuff muscle strength and power in adolescent state-level weightlifters.
Methods: Nineteen young state-level weightlifters performed concentric strength tests of the upper limbs using an isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque/body weight was measured for each weightlifter in dominant and non-dominant limbs.
Results: Peak torque/body weight was significantly different in external rotation (p 0.05). Time to peak torque in external rotation was less in the dominant than in the non-dominant limb. However, opposite results were obtained in external rotation, whereby time to peak torque was longer in the dominant limb compared to the non-dominant limb. Similarly, no significant difference was found between dominant and non-dominant limbs in terms of average power (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: The findings of this study may help in establishing potential imbalance in variables of muscular contractions between dominant and non-dominant limbs of weightlifters. This may help to maximise performance and minimise potential shoulder injury.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
The association between backpack use and low back pain among pre-university students: A pilot study

Amyra Natasha A, Ahmad Syukri A, Siti Nor Diana MK, Ima-Nirwana S, Chin KY

J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Apr;13(2):205-209.
PMID: 31435325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.06.005

Background: Individuals aged 30-60 years have a high possibility of experiencing low back pain. However, children and adolescents are not exempted from this problem. This study aimed to determine the relationship between backpack usage and the frequency of low back pain in pre-university students.
Methods: A total of 101 currently enrolled pre-university students were recruited for this cross-sectional study. They answered a questionnaire about their demographic details and their frequency of backpack usage. Their backpacks were weighed for four consecutive school days. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Body Discomfort Chart were used to rate discomfort levels.
Results: The use and weight of a backpack were not significantly associated with low back pain, as indicated by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Body Discomfort Chart (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study did not find an association between the use of a backpack and low back pain in Malaysian pre-university students.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Breakfast intake and its association with body mass index among pre-schoolers in Taska Permata Keluarga Kuala Nerus, Terengganu

Ong, Ying Qian, Hasmiza Halib, Bee, Suan Wee

Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;3(2):57-70.
MyJurnal

In Malaysia, breakfast is the most frequently skipped meal. Skipping breakfast has been
associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity. However, this relationship has not been
investigated widely among preschoolers in Malaysia. Hence, this cross-sectional study aimed to
determine the association between breakfast intake and Body Mass Index (BMI) among
preschoolers in Taska Permata Keluarga (TPK), Kuala Nerus. A total of 131 Malays preschoolers
aged four to six years old were recruited from nine TPK using convenience sampling method.
Information on sociodemographic, breakfast intake pattern and anthropometric measurements
(weight and height) were obtained. Respondents consisted of 74 (56.5%) boys and 57 (43.5%)
girls. Anthropometric results showed that 8.4% preschoolers were overweight and obese. Among
the preschoolers, 22.1% of them were breakfast skippers. In terms of gender breakdown, 20.3%
boys and 24.6% girls skipped breakfast. There was a significant association between breakfast
intake and BMI status among preschoolers (p = 0.003). This indicated that preschoolers that
skipped breakfast were associated with overweight or obese compared to those who consumed
breakfast daily. Breakfast consumption is a marker of a healthy lifestyle which can reduce the risk
of childhood obesity. This habit should be inculcated during this critical period of life in which
parents play a vital role in promoting breakfast consumption among preschoolers.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Herbal-Based Formulation Containing Eurycoma longifolia and Labisia pumila Aqueous Extracts: Safe for Consumption?

Teh BP, Ahmad N, Ibnu Rasid EN, Zolkifli NA, Sastu Zakaria UR, Mohamed Yusoff N, et al.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 2021 Feb 10;14(2).
PMID: 33579048 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020142

A combined polyherbal formulation containing tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia) and kacip fatimah (Labisia pumila) aqueous extracts was evaluated for its safety aspect. A repeated dose 28-day toxicity study using Wistar rats was conducted where the polyherbal formulation was administered at doses 125, 500 and 2000 mg/kg body weight to male and female treatment groups daily via oral gavage, with rats receiving only water as the control group. In-life parameters measured include monitoring of food and water consumption and clinical and functional observations. On day 29, blood was collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. The rats were necropsied and the organs were collected for histopathological examination. This study showed that the combined formulation did not induce any significant toxicity effect at any dose level in terms of morbidity, mortality, behaviour, functional observation, body weight, food and water consumption, whole blood haematology and serum biochemistry. However, there were some microscopic changes in the histopathological examinations of some organs given 2000 mg/kg body weight, which may suggest an early response to the polyherbal formulation. From this study, the no observed adverse effect level is estimated to be more than 500 mg/kg body weight but not exceeding 2000 mg/kg body weight. The observed effects at the highest dose indicate the need for further study of longer dosing duration.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext A protocol on information-motivation-behavioural skills risk of intensive phase treatment interruption among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in urban districts, Selangor

Qudsiah Suliman, Salmiah Md. Said, Nor Afiah Mohd. Zulkefli, Lim Poh Ying, Tan Kit-Aun

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):85-93.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Despite advancement of treatment modalities, Tuberculosis (TB) treatment interruption rate has glob- ally accelerating, calling for greater framework shifting towards psychosocial intervention. Similarly, Selangor state had reported the perturbing TB treatment interruption rate, which was figured persistently above 10% in the interval year of 2014 to 2018, thus signifies an empirical assessment on Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills (IMB) determinants of TB intensive phase treatment. This study aims to determine the time to intensive phase TB treatment interruption and its prognostic factors among newly diagnosed pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) smear positive patients in urban district Selangor. Methods: A multi-centric prospective cohort study will recruit 695 newly diagnosed PTB smear positive patients at treatment centres in urban districts, Selangor. This study will utilize validated self-admin- istered questionnaire and standardised data collection form (PROFORMA). At baseline, we will elicit information on IMB models constructs, additionally on socio-demographics, health service factors and clinical characteristics. Meanwhile, four points follow up will be executed to retrieve information on treatment status and time varying effects of body weight, treatment side effects, symptoms improvement and internalised stigma. Finally, survival analysis will be computed to identify the time to intensive phase treatment interruption and its prognostic factors. Conclusion: This study will enlighten IMB model determinants of intensive phase treatment interruption, hence to endeavour psychosocial elements in designing time relevant public health strategies in TB case management.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Correlation between prenatal doppler ultrasound exposure durations and newborn rabbit’s body weight

Umi Nadrah Amran, Farah Wahida Ahmad Zaiki

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):115-120.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Doppler mode ultrasound is widely used in prenatal scanning and known to produce a higher acoustic
output which later leads to higher heat energy conversion compared to other ultrasound modes. It has been reported
that the use of Doppler imaging might increase the temperature of tissues, thus, when Doppler is used in combination with 2D ultrasound, the risks of bioeffects tend to increase more. It is also known that prolonged exposure to
ultrasound during pregnancy can cause irreversible biological destructions to the fetus. Despite the benefits of using
Doppler ultrasound, its potential adverse effects have received scant attention in the research literature. Therefore,
this study aimed to examine a correlation between gestational stages (GS) and newborn rabbit’s body weight at different prenatal Doppler ultrasound exposure durations. Methods: Twelve pregnant New Zealand white rabbits (NZWR)
were exposed once using three different Doppler ultrasound exposure durations (30, 60, 90 minutes exposure) at
three different GSs (1st, 2nd, and 3rd GS). After delivery, the mean weights of the 62 newborns were statistically analysed. Results: Strong negative and positive correlation between newborn’s body weight at different GSs and Doppler
ultrasound exposure durations with a significant result found in 60 minutes exposure (p =

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Effect of syringin (eleutheroside B) on the physiological and hematological parameters in STZ induced Type II diabetic Wistar rats

Us MR, Zin T, C SS, Iqbal M

Pak J Pharm Sci, 2020 Nov;33(6):2601-2606.
PMID: 33867336

To investigate the physiological indices such as body weight, food and fluid drinking concern to antidiabetic properties of syringin and its useful outcome on hematological parameters in streptozotocin stimulated diabetic rats. Six normal and 18 diabetic rats totally 24 rats have been used for the present investigation. Streptozotocin was injected in male Wistar rats to induce diabetes through intraperitoneal route. After the confirmation of diabetes, the test animals were treated with distilled water through oral route or syringin 5 mg/kg body weight/ rat /day for 10 days. The diabetic treated groups compared with the controls were evaluated based on their hematological parameters such as red blood cells, white blood cells and its functional indices. The blood glucose levels significantly decreased in syringin injected rats. The intake of water and feed in diabetic rats were significantly decreased, whereas after syringin administration the weight loss was minimized. Congruently, the level of red blood cells, white blood cells and their functional key characters were also considerably enhanced. It can be conjectured that syringin has antihyperglycemic properties. In addition, it can positively amend some hematological parameters.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Upshot of coffee consumption on blood pressure in frequent and non-frequent drinkers among healthy population in rural and urban area of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Audrey Julius, Neni Widiasmoro Selamat, Siti Zulaikha Ibadillah Ismail

Journal of Management & Science, 2020;18(2):1-10.
MyJurnal

The upshot of blood pressure relies on the quantity and frequency of caffeine intake and on the rate of caffeine metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coffee consumption on blood pressure among frequent and non-frequent drinkers in rural and urban area of Kota Kinabalu. A total of 168 participants (Mean age = 26.52 ± 6.33 years; female = 50%; weight = 61.35 ± 12.52 kg; height = 163.37±7.70 cm; diploma holder = 45.2%) were recruited. Questionnaires consisting of socio-demography (5 items), caffeine intake frequency (2 items) and knowledge on coffee, blood pressure and effect to human health (10 items) were distributed. Blood pressure (BP) was taken before coffee consumption and after 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th minutes. SPSS version 24 were employed for statistical analysis. Frequent drinkers displayed significantly higher BP on the 90th (p=0.015) and 120th (p

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
A survey of Singapore children in regard to their weight, height and nutrition

Oliveiro CJ

Malayan Medical Journal, 1937;12:9-17.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Some heights and weights records of young Tamils under plantation conditions

Barrowman B

Journal of the Malaya Branch of the British Medical Association, 1941;5:51-4.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Binge eating and lifestyle factors in relation to obesity in schizophrenia

Ainsah O, Salmi R, Osman CB

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;17:13-22.

Obesity is highly prevalent among patient with schizophrenia. It is therefore important to know whether lifestyle factors could contribute to obesity. The objective of this paper is to study the prevalence of overweight, obesity and high waist circumference (WC) in relation to Binge eating and lifestyle factors among patients with schizophrenia. This is a cross sectional study for a period of three and a half months which systematically selected patients with schizophrenia who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was made using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). The diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and the assessment of lifestyle factors were made using Eating Disorder, Module H of SCID and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) respectively. The prevalence of overweight was 39.2 %, obesity was 35.1 % and high waist circumference was 63.9 %. The difference between presence of BED among patients who had normal and either overweight or obese was not significant (?2 with Yates correction 3.34, p=0.06). BED was found to be more in patients with high WC (n=11, 78.6 %) than those with normal WC (n=3, 21.4 %) but the difference was not significant (?2=1.88, p=0.21). In term of lifestyle factors, no significant different found between those who smoke and those who did not smoke in relation to BMI (?2=0.00, p=0.98) and WC (?2=0.15, p=0.90). There was no difference between total score of diet and exercise among patients who had normal weight and those who were either overweight or obese in relation to BMI (t=1.30, p=0.20) and WC (t=0.91, p=0.36) and BMI (t=0.80, p=0.43) and WC (t=0.02, p=0.98) respectively. There were also no differences between total score of all four domains of psychological lifestyle i.e. stress management, health responsibility, spiritual growth and interpersonal relationship among patients who had normal weight and those who were overweight and obese in relation to BMI and WC (p>0.05). Presence of Binge eating disorder and the lifestyle factors did not contribute to obesity among patients with schizophrenia. Keywords: Schizophrenia, obesity, lifestyle, binge eating disorder

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext A pedometer-based intervention with daily walking steps and its relationship with nutritional status among overweight/obese university students in Kuala Terengganu

Kok, J.L., Asma’, A., Khairil-Shazmin, K., Hayati, M.Y.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(3):17-28.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pedometer-based intervention and the relationship between daily walking steps and nutritional status among overweight/obese university students in Kuala Terengganu. Materials and methods: The study was an 8-week intervention study that included 23 overweight/obese university students. After 7 days of baseline activity, anthropometric data such as weight, height and waist circumference and a one-day dietary record were taken. The participants were divided into a control and case group. The control group (n=15) was instructed to continue with their normal activities and habits throughout the 8 weeks. The case group (n=8) was instructed to walk based on the targeted number of steps. Data such as body weight, waist circumference and a one-day dietary record were taken after the intervention. Results: Both case and control group show significant differences in body mass index (BMI) with p=0.017 and p=0.047 respectively. However, there is a large and significant difference between walking steps and BMI before and after intervention for the case group. There were no differences in any other study parameters during the 8-week study. Conclusion: In conclusion, short-term intervention with a pedometer increased physical activity and positively affected the BMI of overweight/obese participants. The use of a pedometer was efficient in measuring daily physical activity (r= 0.756, p< 0.05).

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Body image perceptions and weight loss behavior among young adults

Nasuha Najwa Ali Hanapiah, Suriati Sidek

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(3):426-434.
MyJurnal

University students tend to be more concerned on their body image and body shape concerns because of the surrounding The present study was conducted among undergraduate students at
the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan with the aim to identify the body image
perceptions, body shape concerns and weight loss behaviors. Methods: A total of 135 participants
comprising of 50 male and 85 female undergraduate students were recruited from six Kulliyyah in IIUM Kuantan. The Contour Drawing Rating Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16) and Weight Loss Behavior Scales (WLBS) were used as assessment tools. Results: The result showed 73.3% of students had normal BMI status, 6.7% were underweight and the remaining were overweight or obese. More than 50% of the participants were somewhat concern about their body shape. In addition, more than half of the participants (54.8%) were dissatisfied with their body image and had desired to be thinner. The most preferred weight loss behavior among the participants was exercise compared to other weight loss approaches. The result shows that concerns to dieting and weight have a significant association with BMI status. Meanwhile, body shape concerns are found to be significantly associated with concern to dieting and weight, as well as avoidance of fatty and sweet foods. However, there was no association between body shape concerns and exercise. Conclusion: Based on the findings, more tailored intervention programs that lead to healthy body image and weight loss behavior are needed among young adults.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight
Fulltext Overweight and obesity among employees at a private university in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study towards a healthy workplace

Jo Ann Andoy-Galvan, Nimesha Tillekeratne, Tilanka Tillekeratne

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(102):40-40.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Obesity is a growing public health concern. Poor diet and lifestyle choices are the main contributors to its development. Lifestyle modifications should be aggressively promoted in the community. Recent studies found that worksite obesity prevention and control programs are effective in increasing physical activity and weight reduction among employees. In Malaysia, there is insufficient data on prevalence studies of workplaces. This study investigated the proportion of overweight and obesity among workers in a private university and hope to serve as a baseline for future healthy workplace programs. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated overweight and obesity and examined its association with occupational stress, sleeping quality, dietary behaviour and physical inactivity among employees in an academic institution. Weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and coded as underweight, normal, overweight and obese according to the cut-off points for the Asian population. Results: Out of ninety-five employees, 55 participated in the survey. Among the 55 employees, 4 (7.3%) were underweight, 10 (18.2%) were normal, 25 (45.5%) were overweight, and 16 (29.1%) were obese. The obese and overweight proportion was similar to the national prevalence. Poor sleep quality and high Job stress scores were reported by 40% of the employees, while physical inactivity of more than 6 hours a day was reported by 50%, and the majority (90%) do not consume enough fibre. Among the risk factors investigated, none was associated with obesity. Conclusion: The proportion of overweight and obesity in this community was like the general population. While not significant in this study, the association between obesity and the four risk factors should be further investigated using a larger sample size. Based on the results, community-based health promotion intervention is suggested to reduce obesity among the employees.

Matched MeSH terms: Body Weight

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