Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 341 in total

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  1. Fatimah Sulong, Ruhaya Salleh, Zainudin Mohd Ali
    Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(3):287-296.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The implementation of front-of-pack (FOP) energy icon labelling helps
    consumers in making good food choices. This is the first study in Malaysia focusing
    on such labelling since it was launched in 2012. It was aimed at determining the
    awareness and understanding of the FOP energy icon on food labels in Malaysia.
    Methods: A total of 366 consumers aged 18-60 years old in the state of Negeri
    Sembilan participated in the study. A guided, self-administered survey was
    conducted using a convenient sampling method. Results: The results showed
    that 85% of consumers surveyed were aware of FOP energy icon. Among those
    who were aware of the icon, 50% (n=155) were categorised as ‘excellent’ and 41%
    (n=128) categorised as ‘good’, for understanding the FOP. Conclusion: This study
    indicated that the icon could be viewed as a potential tool to be used in conjunction
    with the nutrition information panel (NIP). Most of the respondents could extract
    nutrition information from the FOP (energy) icon. The study showed that those who
    had understood the icon were in the group categories of high education, youth
    and female. There was also no significant association between those who received
    nutrition labelling education and level of understanding nutrition information from
    the icon. Therefore, it is important to further explore the possibility the beneficial
    impact of FOP labelling system, including consumer education aspects.
  2. Wan Fadzlina Wan Muhd Shukeri, Samiullah Saeed, Azrina Md Ralib, Mohd Basri Mat-Nor
    Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(4):413-421.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The mNUTRIC score is a nutritional assessment tool to identify critically
    ill patients with high nutritional risk who could benefit from nutritional interventions.
    This study was conducted to validate the 28-day mortality prognostic performance
    of the mNUTRIC score in a Malaysian intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This was
    a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who were consecutively admitted to
    the ICU from January 2017 to December 2018 for >24 hours. Data were collected on
    variables required to calculate the mNUTRIC score. Patients with mNUTRIC score
    ≥5 points were considered to be at high nutritional risk. Main outcome was 28-
    day mortality from all causes; ICU length of stay (LOS) and prolonged mechanical
    ventilation (MV) (>2 days) were secondary outcomes. Results: From a total of 432
    admissions, 382 (88.4%) patients fulfilled the study criteria. Seventy-seven (20.2%)
    of these patients were at high nutritional risk. They had longer mean ICU LOS
    (7.1±7.5 days versus 4.2±4.0 days, p=0.001), greater proportion of prolonged MV
    (57.1% versus 14.4%, p
  3. Fatin Hanani Mazri, Suzana Shahar, Nik Ritza Kosai, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Nilsiswati Ramilis, Rajan, Reynu
    Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(4):423-433.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: A retrospective study was conducted with the aim of determining
    the factors that affect weight loss among post-bariatric surgery patients. Methods:
    A successful weight loss outcome in this study was defined as achieving at
    least 50% excess weight loss (EWL). Eligible participants were those who had
    undergone bariatric surgery at least two years prior to the study. Adherence to
    lifestyle recommendations post-bariatric surgery, binge eating, depression, and
    social support were assessed. Results: A total of 51 post-bariatric surgery patients
    were recruited with a mean post-operative period of 3.2±0.7 years. The mean preoperative weight of 116.6±28.8 kg and body mass index (BMI) 45.2±8.8 kg/m2 were
    significantly reduced to 86.6±21.0 kg and 33.6±6.7 kg/m2, respectively, during
    follow-up (p
  4. Muniandy, Shantini Devi, Gannasin, Sri Puvanesvari
    Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(4):351-359.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Rice noodles are widely consumed as a staple food in Asia. The
    main ingredient of rice noodle is polished white rice flour which lacks in nutritional
    components. Substitution of white rice flour with brown rice flour often results in
    noodles with better nutrient content but less favourable for cooking, textural and
    sensory characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to develop and characterise brown
    rice noodles substituted with mung bean powder at the level of 5% (g/100 g) and
    compared with other formulations. Methods: Four formulations of rice noodles were
    prepared using: a. 100% white rice flour; b. 100% brown rice flour; c. white rice flour
    with 5% mung bean powder; and d. brown rice flour with 5% mung bean powder.
    The rice noodles were produced by conventional extrusion method and evaluated for
    their proximate composition, cooking qualities and sensorial properties. Results:
    The results of proximate analysis indicated that protein (8.70g/100 g), dietary fibre
    (3.10g/100 g), ash (1.50g/100 g) and fat (2.40g/100 g) contents were significantly
    (p
  5. Mahadzir, M.D.A., Shyam, S., Barua, A., Krishnappa, P., Ramamurthy, S.
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(3):329-341.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Probiotic microbial cell preparation (MCP) supplementation is one of the
    approaches to modulate alterations in gut microbiota (GM). This double-blind randomised
    controlled trial investigated the effect of 4 weeks of MCP supplementation on fasting blood
    glucose levels (FBG), body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), and faecal short chain
    fatty acids (SCFA) among 24 healthy and overweight (with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) Malaysian
    adults.

    Methods: Twenty-six subjects were randomised to receive either MCP (n= 12) or
    placebo (n=14), twice daily, for 4 weeks. The probiotic powder contained a mix of six
    strains namely, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus casei,Bifidobacterium
    longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium infantis (3.0 x 1010 cfu). FBG, BW, WC,
    WHR, faecal SCFA, physical activity levels and dietary intake were measured and changes
    were determined using repeated measures ANOVA.

    Results: Twenty-four subjects
    successfully completed the 4-week study period. Changes in FBG, BW, WC and SCFA were
    not significantly different between the groups. Only subjects in the MCP group significantly
    reduced their energy intake compared to baseline (1671±476 vs 1386±447 kcal, P=0.045).

    Conclusion: A 4-week supplementation of the MCP mix powder did not have significant
    effects on the variables studied. However, the significant reduction in dietary energy intake
    in the MCP group suggests the potential of probiotics as an adjuvant to dietary therapy for
    weight loss.
  6. Sakinah, H., Siti NurAsyura, A., Suzana, S.
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(3):375-387.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Malnutrition is a growing problem but quite often under-recognised in elderly people. Calf circumference (CC) is a simple measurement that can be used to identify elderly people who are at high risk of malnutrition; however, a population-specific cut-off point must be developed. Therefore, this study aimed to determine suitable cut-off points and evaluate the predictive value of the CC cut-off point for elderly Malaysians.

    Methods: A total of 820 persons comprising 433 men and 387 women were recruited as subjects. The mean age was 69.0 ± 6.8 and ranged between 60 to 97 years. Data were collected from Sabak Bernam, Selangor; Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan; Pasir Mas, Kelantan, and Kodiang, Kedah. A linear regression analysis with the z-score procedure by gender was used to derive the CC prediction equations.

    Results: The CC cut-off points for men and women at risk of malnutrition were 30.1 cm and 27.3 cm, respectively. The final predictive CC equations for men was CC (cm) = 3.69 (z score) + 33.81, R2 = 1 and CC (cm) = 0.7103 (BMI) + 18.54, R2 = 1; and for women, CC (cm) = 4.31 (z score) + 31.63, R2 = 1 and CC (cm) = 0.6698(BMI) + 16.847, R2 = 1. Based on these equations, using the z-score equal to negative 1 for men (BMI 16.30 kg/m2 ) and women (BMI 15.64 kg/m2 ), the mean of the predictive value of the CC cut-off point was 32.0 ± 4.2 cm in men and 30.5 ± 4.6 cm in women.

    Conclusion: It is suggested that these cut-off points be used to screen elderly individuals who are at risk of malnutrition. Further studies should be undertaken to further verify the application of the findings of this study.
  7. Faisal Muhammad, Alauddin Chhowdhury, A.B.M., Sifat Rokhsana Hasin, Mustapha Kabir Musa, Moniruddin, Chowdhury
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(3):455-459.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. Risk factors for obesity in this context have not been explored. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with childhood obesity/overweight among young children and adolescents 5-15 years of age in urban Bangladesh.

    Methods: A scoping review based on York methodology was performed. This methodology involves a comprehensive search of published academic articles, conference proceedings and grey literature through PubMed, Bangla JOL, Google and Google scholar, limited to English-written papers.

    Results: Findings revealed that having at least one overweight parent and engaging in sedentary activities for more than 4 h a day were independent risk factors for childhood overweight and/or obesity.Children who spent ≥ 30 min each day in outdoor games at home that involved physical exercise had decreased odds (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.1–0.8) of being overweight or obese compared to children who did not exercise at home.

    Conclusion: Spending much time seated or somewhat inactive were key risk factors for childhood obesity and overweight. More research, prevention and management of childhood obesity/overweight in young children and adolescents in urban Bangladesh should be a policy priority.
  8. Siti Nur 'Asyura Adznam, Nur Aqlili Riana Hamzah, Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib, Chan, Yoke Mun, Zuriati Ibrahim, Syafinas Azam
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):175-183.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Depression and depressive symptom are common among the
    elderly. This study aimed to determine the influence of multiple factors and their
    correlations on the prevalence of depressive symptoms among elderly residents in
    selected FELDA schemes in Johor state.

    Methods: A total of 269 respondents were
    recruited through systematic sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to
    obtain information on socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics using
    pre-tested validated questionnaires; For functional status, the Lawton-IADL Scale
    was used to assess independent living skills; the Short Physical Performance Battery
    (SPPB) questionnaire was used to assess physical performance; cognitive function
    was assessed by the Hodkinson Abbreviated Mental Test (HAMT); physical activity
    level was determined using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA);
    and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale-15.

    Results: Mean age of the respondents was 69.5±5.2 years. Prevalence of depressive
    symptoms was determined as 3.7%. Almost half (47.6%) were unable to perform
    one or more Lawton-IADL items, 30.9% had low physical performance, 15.6% had
    abnormal cognitive function and only 30.6% were physically active. There were
    significant correlations between the socio-demographic characteristics (age and
    monthly income; r=-0.135 and rs
    =-0.133 respectively; p
  9. Nur Fazimah, S., Rosminah, M., Sakinah, H.
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(3):385-396.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Detailed clinical information is important for the Casemix System to
    generate valuable Case Based Group (CBG) for malnourished geriatric patients. Clinical
    coding for malnutrition provides useful information on the nutritional health of patients
    for treatment purposes.

    Methods: This cross-sectional study with purposive sampling
    involved a total of 130 geriatric patients (>60 years) at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
    (USM). Nutritional assessments were performed such as anthropometrics measurement,
    Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), and biochemical assessment. The patients’ medical
    records and coded data were systematically reviewed to observe the documentation of
    nutritional information and coding criteria based on the International Classification for
    Diseases (ICD-10).

    Results: The prevalence of malnutrition among the geriatric patients
    was 35.4%. Proper documentation of required nutritional information was found in less
    than 50% of the cases. None of the malnourished patients were documented and coded
    with malnutrition diagnosis, despite being given nutritional interventions. The reasons
    given for this omission were related to the lack of awareness (50%) and incomplete
    medical documentation (50%). Further analysis revealed that uncoded diagnosis,
    miscoding, missing, and unavailable codes for nutritional counselling and oral nutritional
    supplementation were the main contributors to the incomplete records.

    Conclusion:
    The quality of clinical coding for malnourished geriatric patients in the hospital should
    be improved. A structured assessment and standard documentation is recommended to
    improve the quality of healthcare provision for malnourished geriatric patients.
  10. Suzana Shahar, NurZetty Sofia Zainuddin, Hasnah Haron, Nik Shanita Safii, Mohd Azahadi Omar
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):163-174.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Sugar is widely consumed and excessive intake has been associated
    with increased risk of weight gain, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases,
    leading to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). However, the association between sugar
    intake and MetSyn has seldom been studied among multi-ethnic Malaysian older
    adults.

    Methods: A total of 1,057 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited through
    multistage random sampling from selected states. Anthropometric parameters, blood
    pressure, blood test for sugar and lipid profile were determined. Dietary intake was
    derived using a 7-day dietary history questionnaire (DHQ) and a semi-quantitative
    food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for added sugar intake.

    Results: Prevalence of
    MetSyn was 39.9%, 30.9% and 42.2% using the harmonised definition, International
    Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult
    Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) definitions respectively. Mean total sugar intake
    was 40.5±32.0 g (8 tsp) and added sugar intake was 33.0±31.0 g (6 tsp). Excessive
    added sugar consumption at 100th percentile increased risks of high total cholesterol
    by two-fold (p
  11. Norshariza, J., Zuliehaiza, K., Ho, C.Y.
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(3):479-484.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Rectal adenocarcinoma patients are advised to increase protein intake
    especially after surgery for speedy recovery. Concentrated collagen peptides might help to
    improve compliance of protein prescription and ultimately muscle bulk.

    Case presentation:
    A 35-year-old man diagnosed with low rectal adenocarcinoma was discharged and referred
    to diet clinic for continuous intervention. At the time of attending the diet clinic, patient
    looked cachectic and lethargic. Patient’s height was 164cm, weight 44kg, BMI 16.4 kg/m2, muscle mass 37.6kg and body fat 9.7%. He had lost 27% of his weight (16kg within 6 months)
    and had a C for SGA (Score Global Assessment). Estimated intake was 1560kcal/day and
    38g/day protein. Patient reached satiety early and did not comply with oral nutritional
    supplement (ONS) due to distaste and concern for his high stoma output. The nutritional
    diagnosis was inadequate protein intake related to decreased ability to consume sufficient
    protein as evidence by diet history. High protein high calorie diet (HPHC) and collagen
    peptides supplement daily were prescribed. Patient was requested to recall diet and to
    drink a bottle of collagen peptides in the diet clinic daily for a week to ensure compliance to
    diet prescription. After a week, his anthropometry improved: weight reached 46.2kg, muscle
    mass 38.6kg and body fat 12.7%. Patient was able to walk and to start working the following
    week. Total energy intake was 1690kcal/day with 56g/day protein. As patient was able
    to achieve protein requirement via food, collagen peptide was withheld. After a month,
    anthropometry improved and complied to HPHC as well as ONS. Concentrated collagen
    peptides were found to help the malnourished patient to achieve protein requirement in
    small volumes.

    Conclusion: Concentrated collagen peptides improve lean muscle mass
    in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma postoperatively. It is recommended that further
    investigations be conducted to provide concrete evidence on the role of collagen peptides.
  12. Chang, W.L., Azrina, A., Loh, S.P., Sabariah, M.N., Irmi Zarina, I.
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(3):343-352.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This is a preliminary result of an on-going randomised cross-over trial to
    compare the effects of consuming yellowstripe scad (YSS) and salmon, both rich in omega-3
    fatty acids, on lipid profile, fasting glucose, body weight status, and blood pressure among
    healthy overweight adults.

    Methods: Fifty healthy overweight Malaysians aged 21-55 years
    were recruited voluntarily through advertisements. During the first period of intervention,
    subjects were randomised equally to receive eight weeks of either steamed whole YSS fish
    (YSS group) or salmon fillet (salmon group), three days per week, obtaining approximately
    7000 mg EPA+DHA per week. The diets were switched after an eight-week washout
    period. Lipid profile, fasting glucose, body mass index, and blood pressure were evaluated
    before and after each intervention period.

    Results: The mean ages of YSS group (n=25)
    and salmon (n=25) group were 30.6±9.1 and 27.9±7.1 years respectively. Both groups had
    no statistically significant differences on socio-demographic characteristics (p>0.05). After
    the first intervention period, there was a significant increase in total cholesterol within
    the YSS group (p0.05). Both YSS and salmon
    groups had significantly higher HDL-cholesterol levels after 8 weeks compared to baseline
    (p0.05). However, there was a significant effect of time on
    diastolic blood pressure (p
  13. Chowdhury, A.B.M.A., Wasiullah, S., Haque, M.I., Muhammad, F., Hasan, M.M., Ahmed, K.R., et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(2):291-298.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Children living in orphanages tend to be neglected and may be malnourished. This study assessed the socio-economic background and nutritional status of children living in an orphanage in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the children in Sir Salimullah Muslim Orphanage, Dhaka from January to November 2014. Systematic sampling was adopted to collect data from 232 children using a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of the children were taken and the WHO reference growth chart was used to determine the children’s nutritional status. Weight-for-age was categorised by mild, moderate and severe malnutrition. The Pearson Chi-square test was performed to determine the association between the extent of malnutrition and socio-demographic characteristics of the children.

    Results: The majority of the children (60.3%) in the orphanage were malnourished, with mild, moderate and severe malnourished being 43.1%, 16.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Malnutrition was higher among the boys than girls in the age group of 15-18 years. The orphans suffered significantly (P
  14. Rosnah, I., Azmi, M.T., Noor Hassim, I., Idris, M.A.
    Malays J Nutr, 2017;23(3):437-448.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Individual differences pertaining to cognitive and affective processes toward job stress stimuli may influence food choice and intake, leading to overeating and obesity. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between job stress and abdominal obesity with anger as a personality trait and overeating as moderators among male workers in Malaysia.

    Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 492 male employees from 33 private companies in various states in Malaysia. The companies and workers were approached by convenience sampling. Workers who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria completed validated questionnaires assessing job stress, anger as a personality trait and overeating, using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-Exhaustion, Spielberger Trait Anger Scale and Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-Uncontrolled, respectively. Weight, height and abdominal circumference were taken for each participant. Moderation effect analyses were conducted based on standard multiple regression.

    Results: For two-way interaction, a significant curvilinear regression equation was found to predict overeating based on job stress as a predictor and anger as a moderator (β=0.93, SE=0.46, t=2.03, p=0.043). High anger was associated with higher overeating behaviour on exposure to high job stress level (F (7, 484) = 9.36, p
  15. Gan WY, Mohd NM, Zalilah MS, Hazizi AS
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):213-28.
    PMID: 22303575 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: University students are potentially important targets for the promotion of healthy lifestyles as this may reduce the risks of lifestyle-related disorders later in life. This cross-sectional study examined differences in eating behaviours, dietary intake, weight status, and body composition between male and female university students.
    METHODOLOGY: A total of 584 students (59.4% females and 40.6% males) aged 20.6 +/- 1.4 years from four Malaysian universities in the Klang Valley participated in this study. Participants completed the Eating Behaviours Questionnaire and two-day 24-hour dietary recall. Body weight, height, waist circumference and percentage of body fat were measured.
    RESULTS: About 14.3% of males and 22.4% of females were underweight, while 14.0% of males and 12.3% of females were overweight and obese. A majority of the participants (73.8% males and 74.6% females) skipped at least one meal daily in the past seven days. Breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal. Both males and females frequently snacked during morning tea time. Fruits and biscuits were the most frequently consumed snack items. More than half of the participants did not meet the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for energy, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron (females only), and calcium. Significantly more males than females achieved the RNI levels for energy, protein and iron intakes.
    CONCLUSION: This study highlights the presence of unhealthy eating behaviours, inadequate nutrient intake, and a high prevalence of underweight among university students. Energy and nutrient intakes differed between the sexes. Therefore, promoting healthy eating among young adults is crucial to achieve a healthy nutritional status.
  16. Chan PM, Fan SH, Say YH
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):201-12.
    PMID: 22303574 MyJurnal
    Peptide Tyrosine-Tyrosine (PYY) is a 36-amino acid peptide hormone released post-prandially from the endocrine cells in the intestinal tract to suppress pancreatic secretions and eventually reduce appetite. The R72T variant in the PYY gene (rs1058046) has been associated with increased susceptibility to obesity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association of this variant with obesity and its related anthropometric measurements among the Kampar Health Clinic cohort, Malaysia.
  17. Hamid JJ, Amal MK, Hasmiza H, Pim CD, Ng LO, Wan MW
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):189-200.
    PMID: 22303573 MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gender, birth weight, nutritional status, and iron status of children with their academic performance and cognitive function.
  18. Dan SP, Mohd NM, Zalilah MS
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):175-87.
    PMID: 22303572 MyJurnal
    Introduction: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey III (MOH, 2008) indicate a 43.7% prevalence of physical inactivity among Malaysian adults. This sedentary lifestyle can also be observed among children and adolescents.
    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine factors associated with physical activity levels of four hundred, 13 year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Pahang. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors were collected using a self-administered questionnaire while physical activity level was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C).
    Results: About one-third of the respondents were in the low physical activity level category, 61.5% were in the moderate category and only 3.0% of the adolescents were in the high physical activity level category. Males were more physically active than females (χ2=23.667, p=0.0001) with female adolescents (45.1%) twice as likely as male adolescents (22.1%) to be in the low physical activity level category. The associations between physical activity level with socio-demographic and health-related factors, perception of weight status and body parts satisfaction were not significant. However, physical activity was found to be positively correlated with physical activity self-efficacy (r=0.496,p=0.0001), peer influence (r=0.468, p=0.0001), family influence (r=0.298, p=0.0001) and beliefs in physical activity outcomes (r=0.207, p=0.0001). Negative relationships were found between physical activity with depression (r=-0.116, p=0.021) and body size discrepancy (r=-0.143, p<0.01). Respondents who had a better perception of their current health status were more physically active (χ2=21.062, p=0.0001). Multivariate analyses for the prediction of physical activity showed that physical activity self-efficacy, sex and peer influence were the most significant contributors in explaining physical activity among adolescents.
    Conclusion: Physical activity interventions should include psychosocial components as mediator variables in interventions designed to promote regular physical activity in adolescence.
    Key words: Adolescents, physical activity, psychosocial factors, health-related factors and socio-demographic factors
  19. Loh SP, Hadira O
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Apr;17(1):77-86.
    PMID: 22135867 MyJurnal
    This study was conducted to determine the inhibitory potential of selected Malaysian plants against key enzymes related to type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
  20. Kuan PX, Ho HL, Shuhaili MS, Siti AA, Gudum HR
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Apr;17(1):67-75.
    PMID: 22135866 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION:
    This study was carried out among undergraduate students in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak with the objective of examining gender differences in body mass index (BMI), body weight perception, eating attitudes and weightloss strategies.

    METHODS:
    Subjects consisted of 600 undergraduates (300 males and 300 females) recruited from the various faculties between September 2008 until mid-November 2008. The Original Figure Rating Scale: Body Weight Perception, Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) were used as assessment tools.

    RESULTS:
    Overall, 52.8% of students had normal BMI, with approximately an equal number of both sexes. More males than females were overweight (33.7%), while more females were underweight (25.3%). Males were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight, and fail to see themselves as underweight. More than half of the females preferred their ideal figure to be underweight, whereas about 30% males chose an overweight figure as their ideal model. Females were generally more concerned about body weight, body shape and eating than males. They diet more frequently, had self-induced vomiting, and used laxatives and exercise as their weight-loss strategies.

    CONCLUSION:
    Issues pertaining to body weight perception, eating attitudes and weight-loss strategies exist with differences among male and female undergraduates. Thus, in order to correct misperceptions among young adults, a more tailored intervention programme and more in-depth studies into the various factors involved are required
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