Association Between Bmi, Waist Circumference, and Level of Interest in Physical Activity: A Cross-sectional Study Among College Students

BACKGROUND Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are widely used anthropometric indicators for assessing obesity risk in young adults. However, their relationship with behavioural variables such as interest in physical activity, activity frequency, intensity, sleep habits, and dietary history remains unclear in Indian university populations. This study examined the association between BMI, WC, and selected lifestyle behaviours among college students, with emphasis on gender differences in central obesity. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 university students aged 18–23 years. Anthropometric measurements included BMI and WC, classified using standard cut-offs. Physical activity frequency was assessed using the Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire, and activity intensity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form). Demographic data, interest in physical activity, usual dietary sources, and sleep history were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Associations were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. RESULTS Of the participants, 56.5% had normal BMI, 20% were overweight, 5.3% were obese, and 18.3% were underweight. Based on WC, 65% met the criteria for central obesity. BMI showed no significant association with interest in physical activity, participation frequency, MET-based intensity, sleep patterns, or dietary sources (p > 0.05). In contrast, WC showed significant associations with interest in physical activity (p = 0.017), participation frequency (p = 0.011), MET intensity (p = 0.009), sleep patterns (p = 0.025), and dietary sources (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION Although most students had normal BMI, WC identified a substantially higher prevalence of central obesity, particularly among males. Higher WC was associated with lower physical activity engagement, irregular sleep, and calorie-dense dietary patterns. Targeted lifestyle interventions may help reduce early central adiposity in university students.