Sarcopenic obesity refers to a condition characterized by high body fat percentage and insufficient muscle mass, posing significant risks to physical and mental health. This issue is not limited to the elderly; it is increasingly common among younger populations as well. According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted between 2017 and 2020, high rates of eating out due to study and work lifestyles in Taiwan result in limited access to nutritious food. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's statistics from 2021 show that only 33.9% of the population engages in regular exercise. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with physical activity and nutritional intake. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People has urged the public to maintain a balanced diet and establish exercise habits early to reduce the risk of sarcopenic obesity. Younger individuals are more likely to increase muscle mass with interventions in exercise and nutrition compared to older adults, making college students a key demographic for fostering healthy behaviors. Therefore, it is essential to address how to enhance their health awareness and behaviors.
Based on this, the present study aims to explore the impact of a multimedia intervention combined with a peer support model on the awareness and behaviors of college students at risk of being overweight. The research methodology involves a randomized controlled trial, participants from a medical university in central Taiwan. Body composition will be measured first, and eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group, followed by a 12-week intervention and subsequent post-test. The study will analyze the effects of multimedia combined with peer support on the awareness and behaviors of at-risk college students, as well as assess muscle mass changes through grip strength measurements. The goal is to enhance college students' awareness of their health behaviors, improve their dietary and exercise habits, fill knowledge and application gaps, and provide an evidence-based foundation for future strategies to promote healthy behaviors among young populations.
Undergraduate students in years 1 to 4 at a medical university in central Taiwan
Body Mass Index (BMI) between 23 and 27 or body fat percentage between 25% and 35%
Aged 18 to 25 years
No diagnosis of any chronic disease
University students with restricted limb movement who are unable to exercise according to instructions.
Any condition that may restrict the proper use of a dynamometer (e.g., hand pain, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis).
Parallel
Exercise with video on media platform
Behavioral12-week structured video-guided exercise and peer support program
Printed Educational Handout
Behavioral12-week printed health education handout program
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI will be calculated as weight (kg) divided by height in meters squared (m²). Measurements will be taken using the InBody 270S body composition analyzer. Unit of Measure: kg/m²
Body Fat Percentage Body fat mass
Body Fat Percentage Body fat mass will be assessed using the InBody 270S. Percentage is calculated as (fat mass ÷ body weight (kg)) × 100%. Unit of Measure: %
Physical Activity Level (IPAQ-SF)
Assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Results expressed in MET-minutes/week. Higher scores indicate greater physical activity and better outcome. Unit of Measure: MET-min/week
Hand Grip Strength
Hand grip strength measured using Jamar handheld dynamometer. Each hand is tested three times; average grip strength is recorded. Higher values indicate better strength. Unit of Measure: kg
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