Investigating the Lifestyle Habits and Cardiometabolic Health Among Young Adults in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the high prevalence of diabetes necessitates an understanding of its association with lifestyle factors, especially among young adults. This study examines the correlation between lifestyle habits and HbA1c and blood pressure in young adult medical students in Pakistan. Conducted from December 2022 to May 2023 across 16 medical colleges, this analytical cross-sectional study involved 1613 students aged 18–25 years. Participants with known diabetes, hypertension, or chronic conditions were excluded. Data collection included socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, anthropometric measurements, and clinical assessments of blood pressure and HbA1c levels. Results showed that 44.1% of participants were aged 22–24 years, and 63.4% were female. Over 46% were overweight or obese, and 4.0% had high blood pressure. Lifestyle assessments revealed significant habits such as skipping breakfast (47.5%) and a preference for fast food (17.2%), a sedentary lifestyle with a mean exercise time of 3.0 ± 0.5 hours weekly. Gender differences were significant, with males more prone to diabetes. The study highlights a notable prevalence of undiagnosed prediabetes (10.9%) and diabetes (0.9%) among young adults in Pakistan, emphasising the importance of targeted interventions and comprehensive nationwide studies to address the rising burden of diabetes and obesity among young adults in Pakistan. Investigating the Lifestyle Habits and Cardiometabolic Health Among Young Adults in Pakistan