Abstract

Introduction: Smoking is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and has been linked to changes in body weight. However, the relationship between smoking and Body Mass Index (BMI) among university students in Yemen remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to assess the relationship between smoking habits and BMI among students at Aljanad University for Science and Technology in Taiz City, Yemen, and to identify the factors influencing this association, including physical activity and dietary habits.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected students (from three faculties. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, smoking patterns, diet, and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements were obtained to calculate BMI, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.

Results: The study included 200 students (128 males and 72 females). Fifty-nine percent of the participants were smokers, with a higher prevalence among males and students of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. Mean±SD BMI values for smokers (20.5±1.0) and non-smokers (20.1± 0.9) were within the normal range, while ex-smokers showed slightly lower BMI (18.2± 2.0). No significant relationship was found between smoking duration and BMI (P=0.350). The associations of physical activity and dietary habits with BMI were stronger than that of smoking status.

Conclusion: Smoking was prevalent among students but showed no direct effect on BMI. Other lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity and dietary habits, played a significant role in determining body weight. Targeted health education programs, gender-sensitive smoking cessation initiatives, promotion of physical activity, and integration of nutritional counseling into university health services are recommended to improve overall student well-being.

Keywords: Smoking, Body Mass Index (BMI), Dietary Habits

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