Weight cycling among Indonesian college students in West Java province during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Changes in our bodies can cause several problems, particularly for students who are concerned about maintaining an ideal body shape. Many of them try to diet, but their body returns to its previous weight or even increases in weight. Thus, this study aimed to determine the factors that influence the incidence of weight cycling in Indonesian students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study used purposive sampling to collect data. Three hundred college students from West Java province, Indonesia, participated. Weight cycling was the dependent variable and the independent variables were physical activity, sex, and weight management. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors influencing the incidence of weight cycling. Results: Sex, physical activity, skipping meals, and snacking were determinants related to weight cycling incidence. Females had a 0.7 times higher risk of experiencing weight cycling than males. Inactive students were 4.7 times more likely to become weight cyclers, and those who rarely skipped mealtime had lower risk of being weight cyclers. Students who sometimes and always consumed snacks had higher risk of becoming weight cyclers by 3.3 and 2.7 times, respectively, compared to those who rarely consumed snacks. Conclusion: Regular physical activity, not skipping meals, especially breakfast, and practising a healthy diet every day are recommended strategies to avoid weight cycling during a pandemic.