BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AND PRACTICE OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN SA’ADU ZUNGUR UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and selectedhealthy lifestyle practices among undergraduate students of Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State. The research aimed to assess students’ anthropometric parameters, lifestylebehaviors, and awareness of BMI to understand their overall health status. Atotal of 151students participated, with their age, weight, height, and BMI measured and analyzed. The mean age of participants was 23.68 ± 2.85 years, mean weight was 58.58 ±8.47kg, mean height was 1.64 ± 0.10 m, and mean BMI was 22.11 ± 4.03 kg/m², indicatingagenerally normal weight status. Gender-specific analysis showed that male students weresignificantly taller (1.66 ± 0.12 m) than female students (1.62 ± 0.09 m), thoughnosignificant differences were observed in BMI and weight between genders. Lifestyleassessment revealed that 60.74% of students consumed three meals per day, 51.85%exercised only 1–2 days per week, and 70.37% slept less than the recommended7–8hours per night. Furthermore, 68.15% of students were aware of their BMI. Thesefindings suggest that, despite normal BMI values, students exhibited suboptimal lifestylebehaviors, particularly in physical activity and sleep duration. The study concludes that while BMI awareness is moderately high, it has not consistently translated intohealthypractices, potentially increasing the risk of future health problems. Recommendationsinclude implementing university-based programs to promote regular exercise, balancednutrition, adequate sleep, and continuous BMI monitoring. Overall, the study providesvaluable baseline data on students’ health status and highlights areas for interventiontoenhance wellness and academic performance.