Comparison of physical activity, percent body fat, and eating habits between Hong Kong and Malaysian college students

The purpose of this study was to determine whether physical activity, percent body fat, and eating habits differ in subjects from two different regions, with different social cultural and racial background, but similar in education level. 257 Hong Kong college students (87 males and 170 females; all Chinese), and 213 Malaysian college students (101 males and 112 females; 210 Malays), aged between 18 to 25 year-old participated in this study. Physical activity and eating habits were evaluated by a self-completed questionnaire. Subjects' percent body fat was determined by a body fat monitor (Omron). It was found that Hong Kong subjects had significant (p<0.01) higher overall mean percent body fat (22.02 ± 5.23% versus 19.78 ± 6.83%, Mean ± SD), and were less active physically when compared to Malaysian students. However, Hong Kong subjects were more particular with breakfast, lunch and dinner compared to Malaysian subjects. Interestingly, Hong Kong students snacked frequently and indulged in fast food compared to Malaysian students. The data obtained suggest that both physical activity and eating habits have some influence on the percent body fat in subjects from these two different regions. Copyright © 2003 Verlag Karl Hofmann.