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Abstract
Dieting practices are essential for effective weight management among female students of reproductive age. This study aimed to identify common dieting practices, assess the level of knowledge regarding dieting, and evaluate the weight management strategies adopted by female undergraduate students in a tertiary institution. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 180 respondents using self-administered questionnaires. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the most common dieting practices included low-calorie diets (24.7%) and intermittent fasting (24.1%). Furthermore, adherence to chosen diets varied, with 39.4% of respondents indicating they sometimes adhered to their diets. A significant correlation was identified between the level of knowledge on dietary practices and effective weight management, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.185 (p = 0.013), indicating that increased knowledge is associated with better weight management outcomes. However, challenges such as cravings for unhealthy foods and inconsistent adherence to dietary practices were prevalent among respondents. This study highlights the need for enhanced nutritional education tailored to the specific challenges faced by female undergraduate students. It is recommended that nursing educators incorporate comprehensive dietary knowledge into the curriculum and promote supportive environments that encourage healthy eating habits. By addressing these factors, institutions can facilitate improved weight management strategies and overall well-being among female students. KEYWORDS: dieting practices, weight management, female students, reproductive age
