Obesity in Female Students: Ethnicity and Self-regulation as Predicting Factors

Objective: The objective of this research was to determine if factors such as self-regulation and ethnicity are associated with overweight and obesity in female college students. Methods: We conducted a transversal analytical study on a sample of 171 female nursing students at the University in Juchitan, Oaxaca. The distribution of Zapotec and Mestizo was proportional. Results: No difference was found between Zapotec and Mestizo with regard to self-regulation or being overweight. However, a higher percentage of Zapotecs (35%) reported monitoring their diet compared with Mestizo (17%). The Zapotec origin of the mother and the self-evaluation of physical activity habits were identified as overweight resiliency factors. Conclusions: Self-assessment of physical activity habits and the consideration of ethnic knowledge from each group should be considered in strategies to help prevent becoming overweight.