Consumption of light products and prevalence of Obesity among a population of Academics in Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract

Moroccan citizens are increasingly aware of the effect of food on their health. The objective of this work is to study the consumption of Light products (LP) by students, as well as their effects on the prevalence of obesity. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2017 using an anonymous questionnaire. The latter included information related to Gender, age, anthropometric parameters, perception of the body image, as well as the consumption of BP (types, frequency, duration, reasons for consumption, etc.). The results were analyzed by SPSS software, version 21. 19.9% of respondents never consume light products, 59.2% consume them sometimes, 18.6% daily. This consumption varies according to Gender (p <0.05). 28.7% of students consume them to slim down; 30.3% think they are the best for good health and 12% like their good taste. 47.5% of the respondents consume LP in sugar and 30.3% the reduced in fat, with a significant difference between the two gender (p <0.05). Dairy products are the most consumed by participants (48.7%) among the fatty acids, while those for sugar, the most consumed are: confectionery (32.3%) and light drinks (23%). 61.66% of LP consumers have a normal weight (37.9% consume them sometimes and 23.76% daily); 29.66% are overweight (19% sometimes consume them and 10.6% daily) and 4.45% moderate obesity (2.9% sometimes and 1.5% daily). 60% of consumers of low fatty acids and 0.3% of consumers of low sugar have moderate obesity. Uncontrolled consumption of LP can increase the risk of overweight and obesity. However, these products can be consumed as part of a healthy diet and preferably in combination with a balanced and varied diet.