Association between obesity and eating pattern

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OBESITY AND EATING
PATTERN IN OFFICE WORKER & NON-OFFICE WORKER
AT MANAGEMENT & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (MSU)
SHAH ALAM SECTION 13
IZZAT ESKANDAR DZULQARNAIN BIN MOHD SHARIAL
MANAGEMENT AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
2013

______________________________________________________
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OBESITY AND EATING
PATTERN IN OFFICE WORKER & NON-OFFICE WORKER
AT MANAGEMENT & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (MSU)
SHAH ALAM SECTION 13
IZZAT ESKANDAR DZULQARNAIN BIN MOHD SHARIAL
Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for
the Degree of Nutrition in the
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Management and Science University

November 2013
______________________________________________________

i

APPROVAL
This thesis submitted to the Senate of Management and Science University has been
accepted as fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Biomedicine (Hons). The
members of the Supervisory Committee are as follows:
Signature:
Supervisor: Mr. Rajasegar Anamalley
Date: November 2013
Signature:
Co-supervisor:
Date: November 2013
Signature:
Dean: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eddy Yusuf
Date: November 2013

ii

DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the thesis is based on my original work except for quotations and
citations which have been duly acknowledged. I also declare that it has not been
previously or concurrently submitted for any other degree at MSU or other
institutions.
November 2013 _______________________
IZZAT ESKANDAR
DZULQARNAIN BIN MOHD
SHARIAL

iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I praise to the almighty Allah for giving me the strength and patience to complete the
research. I would like to express my sincere appreciation and deepest gratitude to the
following persons for their support during the research. To my sole supervisor Mr
Rajasegar Anamalley, your guidance, advice, encouragement, and the patience that
you endure plus your endless supports towards me. My deepest gratitude is extended
to Ms Sarina Sariman, for your guide and the knowledge in research that she had
given me and not forgetting my fellow lecturers in the Department of Health
Professionals & Food Service which also give me supports and their concern towards
my research project which makes this project even more valuable. Supports and
consideration of other department lecturers, staff and even workers from Fernline
Construction who are the respondents that make my research possible to achieve and
completed. Not forgetting to my friends, classmate and especially Aminah Ong, Nur
Syazwanie Tuah, Mohd Zaim Bin Halimi and Mohammad Faruq Bin Abd Racman
Isnadi who help me in the process of completing the research for their valuable
friendship and encouragement. Lastly, I extend my special thanks to my family for
their love, support and encouragement.

iv

ABSTRACT
Obesity is one of the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that is increasing highly due
to unhealthy diet reported by National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011. The
purpose of this study was to assess obesity rates among office worker and non-office
worker and to find an association between their body weight status, eating habits and
other possible factors that might be related such as socioeconomic status, educational
level and gender differences in Management & Science University, Shah Alam,
Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 respondent, where
141(70.5%) office worker and 51(29.5%) non-office worker and 92(46%) were male
and 108(54%) were female. Body Mass Index (BMI) (WHO, 1998), was calculated
based on measures of height and weight using SECA 703, and eating behaviour was
assessed using Eating Behaviour Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ) and socio-
demographics profiles has been included in the questionnaire given to the respondent.
This study had found, most of the overall respondent assessed are overweight (43%)
and 11% which are obese and in office worker are 63.6% were male respondent who
are overweight, 9.1% are obese and 36.0% were female respondent who are
overweight and 12.8% who are obese out of their gender frequency 55 male and 86
female respectively. While the non-office workers , 40.5% of male were overweight
and 13.5% obese, while the female 22.7% who are overweight and 4.5% obese in their
own frequency male 37, female 22 respondent. This study found that, for relationship
between BMI, eating pattern with socioeconomic status, only in office worker that
these factor are associated (p<0.05). While for the relationship between BMI, eating
pattern with level of education, only BMI status are concomitant with level of
education of the office worker (p<0.05). For the relationship between BMI, eating
pattern with gender of the respondent, only BMI status of the office worker shows
significant results with gender (p<0.05) while gender did not have effect on non-office
worker, but eating pattern in both office and non-office worker are associated with
gender (p<0.05). This study shows more significance in office worker rather than non-
office worker, ergo conclude that body weight status and eating pattern related socio-
demographic factor association are prone in office worker rather than non-office
worker.

v

ABSTRAK
Kegemukan adalah salah satu Penyakit Tidak Berjangkit (NCD) yang semakin
meningkat sangat disebabkan oleh pemakanan yang tidak sihat yang dilaporkan oleh
Kesihatan dan Morbiditi Nasional 2011. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk menilai kadar
obesiti di kalangan pekerja pejabat dan bukan pekerja pejabat dan mencari kaitan
antara status berat badan , pemakanan dan faktor-faktor lain yang mungkin yang
mungkin berkaitan seperti status sosio-ekonomi , tahap pendidikan dan perbezaan
jantina di Management & Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia. Satu kajian irisan
lintang telah dijalankan di kalangan 200 responden , di mana 141 ( 70.5 %) pekerja
pejabat dan 51 (29.5% ) pekerja bukan pejabat dan 92 ( 46%) adalah lelaki dan 108
(54 %) adalah perempuan. Body Mass Index (BMI) (WHO , 1998), yang dikira
berdasarkan langkah-langkah ketinggian dan berat badan menggunakan SECA 703,
dan makan tingkah laku telah dinilai menggunakan makan kelakuan Corak soal (
EBPQ ) dan sosio- demografi profil telah dimasukkan dalam soal selidik yang
diberikan kepada responden. kajian ini telah mendapati , kebanyakan responden
keseluruhan dinilai adalah berlebihan berat badan ( 43%) dan 11% yang gemuk dan
pekerja pejabat adalah 63.6% responden adalah lelaki yang mempunyai berat badan
berlebihan , 9.1 % adalah obes dan 36.0 % adalah responden wanita yang mempunyai
berat badan berlebihan dan 12.8% yang gemuk daripada kekerapan jantina 55 lelaki
dan 86 wanita masing-masing. Walaupun pekerja bukan pejabat, 40.5% daripada
lelaki berat badan berlebihan dan 13.5% gemuk , manakala 22.7% wanita yang
berlebihan berat badan dan 4.5% gemuk di mereka sendiri kekerapan lelaki 37,
perempuan 22 responden. kajian ini mendapati itu, untuk hubungan antara BMI ,
makan corak dengan status sosioekonomi , hanya dalam pekerja pejabat bahawa faktor
ini dikaitkan (p < 0.05). Manakala bagi hubungan antara BMI , makan corak dengan
tahap pendidikan, hanya status BMI adalah seiring dengan tahap pendidikan pekerja
pejabat (p < 0.05). bagi hubungan antara BMI , makan corak dengan jantina responden
, hanya BMI status pekerja pejabat menunjukkan keputusan yang signifikan dengan
jantina (p <0.05 ) manakala jantina tidak mempunyai kesan ke atas bukan pekerja
pejabat , tetapi makan corak di kedua-dua pejabat dan bukan pekerja pejabat yang
berkaitan dengan jantina (p < 0.05). kajian ini menunjukkan lebih penting dalam
pekerja pejabat dan bukannya pekerja bukan pejabat, ergo membuat kesimpulan
bahawa status berat badan dan corak makan yang berkaitan persatuan faktor sosio-
demografi terdedah dalam pekerja pejabat dan bukannya pekerja bukan pejabat.

vi

CONTENTS
Page
APPROVAL i
DECLARATION ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
ABSTRACT iv
ABSTRAK v
CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES viii
LIST OF FIGURES ix
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Objectives 4
1.2.1 General objective 4
1.2.2 Specific objectives 4
1.3 Hypothesis 4
CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Obesity and Eating Pattern 10
2.2 Factors That Affect Obesity and Eating Pattern 11

vii

CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 12
3.1 Sample 13
3.2 Sampling Method 14
3.2.1 Measures and Data Collection 14
3.2.2 Data Analysis 17
CHAPTER IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 21
4.1 Results
4.1.1 Socio-Demographic profile
4.1.2 Eating Behaviour Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ)
21
CHAPTER V DISCUSSION
CHAPTER VI CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
APPENDIX A
23
25
26
27
28
29
30

viii

LIST OF TABLES
Number of table Page
Table 4.1 Summary of Socio – Demographic Characteristics 23
Table 4.2 Association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Eating
Pattern in Office and Non-Office Worker Regarding Gender,
Educational Level and Socioeconomic Status.
39
Table 4.3 Prevalence of obesity among adults by socio-demographics
characteristic in Malaysia. Institute for Public Health (IPH)
2011. National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 (NHMS
2011). Vol. II: Non-Communicable Diseases; 2011: 188
pages
45

ix

LIST OF FIGURES
Number of figure Page
Figure 4.1 Gender Frequency of the Respondent 25
Figure 4.2 Ethnicity Frequency of the Respondent 26
Figure 4.3 Body Mass Index (BMI) statuses Frequency of the
Respondent
27
Figure 4.4 Educational Level Frequency of the Respondent 28
Figure 4.5 Type of Employment Frequency of the Respondent 29
Figure 4.6 Socioeconomic Status Frequency of the Respondent 30
Figure 4.7 Eating Pattern Behaviour Frequency of the Respondent 31
Figure 4.8 Association between Office Worker Body Mass Index
(BMI) Status and Eating Pattern
32
Figure 4.9 Association between Non-Office Worker Body Mass
Index (BMI) Status and Eating Pattern
33
(BMI) Status and Socioeconomic Status
34
Index (BMI) Status and Socioeconomic Status
35
Figure 4.12 Associations between Office Worker Eating Pattern and
Socioeconomic Status
36
Figure 4.13 Associations between Non-Office Worker Eating
Pattern and Socioeconomic Status
37
(BMI) Status and Gender
38

x

Index (BMI) Status and Gender
39
Gender
40
Figure 4.17 Associations between Non-Office Worker Eating
Pattern and Gender
41

1

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 OBESITY AND EATING PATTERN
National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 had stated that unhealthy diet is one
of the key, which contributes to the factors for chronic Non-Communicable Diseases
(NCD) such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, cancers and obesity,
which have become global or public health problems especially in Malaysia.
According to Al Rethaiaa et al.,(2010) obesity is often defined as a condition
of abnormal and excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue to the extent that health
may be adversely affected. The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide at an
alarming rate in both, developing and developed countries. It has become a serious
epidemic health problem, estimated to be the fifth leading cause of mortality at global
level (Al Rethaiaa et al., 2010).
Nowadays, 65% of the world’s population live in a country where overweight
and obesity kills most of the people than being underweight which this includes all
high income and most middle-income countries. In South-East Asia and Africa, 41%
of deaths caused by high body mass index occur under age of 60, compared with 18%
in high-income countries. (WHO, 2009)

2

In the recent edition of the National Health and Morbidity Survey IV 2011
Volume two, stated that based on the Malaysia CPG (2004) classification,
approximately 60% of Malaysian adults were pre-obese and obese. The findings of
NHMS 2011 showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity (29.4% and
15.1%) was comparable to that reported in NHMS III 2006 (28.6% and 14.0%) based
on the WHO (1998) classification (NHMS, 2011). From the prevalence from the
NHMS IV, it shows that the obesity level are increasing, this may due to the eating
pattern of the Malaysian themselves.
However in the cohorts of East Asians, including Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans,
the lowest risk of death was seen among persons with a BMI (the weight in kilograms
divided by the square of the height in meters) in the range of 22.6 to 27.5. (Wei Z. et
al ., 2011)
One of the major causes of obesity is the changes in the diet; in terms of quantity
and quality, which has become more “Westernized” as stated by Antonio G, Chiara
PA,(2006) and Al-Rethaiaa et al.,(2010). According to Ismail MN,(2002) the
‘westernization’ of global eating habits, has brought an increase in the number of fast-
food outlets in Malaysia. Thus this statement support the study of where, restaurant
and fast food consumption (Duffey KJ et al., 2007), large portion size (Rolls BJ,
2006), and beverages with sugar added (Berkey CS, 2004), are positively associated
with overweight and obesity.
Beamer et al.,(2003) stated that the causes of obesity are complex and excess
weight is determined by the difference between energy consumed from food and
drinks, and energy expenditure of an individual's basal metabolism and in daily
physical activities. However, other factors such as environmental and genetic, for
example also could influence daily energy needs and expenditure.

3

Health problem that are associated with eating habits are not new in Malaysia,
in this multi – racial nation, there are several contributing factors related to eating
habits of Malaysian which includes gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity and
culture. (Wan Manan et al.,2012)
Eating patterns influence nutrient intake, where as stated by (Dwyer et al.,
2001) found that as the number of eating occasions increased, so did the overall
energy intake.
Eating pattern is referred as several characteristic of dietary behaviour such as
eating frequency, the temporal distribution of eating events across the day, breakfast
skipping, and the frequency of meals eaten away from home and these characteristic
may influence body weight. (Ma Y et al., 2003)
Nonetheless, there was no specific study was found in this literature search
regarding on the relationship of obesity and eating pattern between office and non-
office worker moreover in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Therefore the aim of the current
study is to assess obesity rates among office worker and non-office worker and to
correlate their body weight status with their eating habits and other possible factors
such as socioeconomic status, educational level and gender differences in
Management & Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia.

4

1.2 OBJECTIVES
1.2.1 General Objective:
To determine the association between obesity and eating pattern in both office
workers and non-office workers at Management & Science University (MSU) Shah
Alam Section 13.
1.2.2 Specific Objectives
1) To assess the Body Mass Index (BMI) and eating pattern of both office worker
and non-office worker.
2) To determine the association between body weight status and eating pattern in
both office worker and non-office worker regarding their socioeconomic status.
3) To differentiate the association of body weight status and eating pattern in both
office worker and non-office worker with their gender.
1.3 HYPOTHESIS
Null Hypothesis (H0) = There is no association between obesity and eating pattern in
both office worker and non-office worker at Management & Science University
(MSU) Shah Alam Section 13.
Alternative Hypothesis (HA) = There is an association between obesity and eating
pattern in both office worker and non-office worker at Management & Science
University (MSU) Shah Alam Section 13.

5

CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 OBESITY AND EATING PATTERN
Based on the National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS 2006) discuss by
(Kee CC et al., 2008) The prevalence of Abdominal Obesity in Malaysian adults is the
highest in most other Asian countries, with the exception of the South Asian countries.
However, it is less than that for other European countries and the USA as reported in
the IDEA study.
There are almost two-thirds of an adult in the United States who are overweight or
obese. Although increasing awareness by the attention of the health professional, the
media, and the public and mass educational campaigns about the benefits of healthier
diets and increased physical activity, the prevalence of obesity in the United States
over the past four decades has been more than doubled.(Flegal KM et al., 2002) Thus
this proves the statement of the recent global figures from the World Health
Organization (WHO) which indicate that the prevalence of obesity is not just a
problem of the developed countries but is also on the increase in the developing
world, with over 115 million people suffering from obesity-related problems.(WHO
2010)
The environment which encourages excessive eating and discourages physical
activity (Raine, 2004) and the increases of more sedentary jobs (Finkelstein et
al.,2005) is increasing the trends of obesity among workers.

6

Eating pace are one of the eating behaviours or style where there are several
studies have reported an association between eating speed and overweight or obesity,
and eating until full, which refers to consuming a large quantity of food in one meal
and is unrelated to eating disorders, has been reported to be associated with
overweight Results from the study done indicated that fast eating speed was associated
with overweight. Furthermore, the combination of fast eating speed and eating until
full may have a significant effect on overweight among adolescents as well. (Hirotaka
O et al., 2013)
Jungwee Park,(2009) found that obesity in the workplace is a growing
phenomenon, with repercussions for workers and the employers. On top of that, a
sedentary job combine with the individual poor eating habits often leads to obesity,
which can make heart disease a priority. Obese workers also have a substantially
higher prevalence of metabolic, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and respiratory disorders
(Thomson Healthcare, 2007).
In a study by Korean Nutrition Community (Baik & Shin, 2011) they were
doing research on sleep duration with obesity, they found that, physical activity active
level is highly associated with factors including age, sex, income, occupation, marital
status, education, smoking status, waist circumference, calorie and macronutrient
intake, and alcohol intake.
(Devine C et al., 2007) which conduct a health education research, found in their
study by the administrative and policy assessment that there were four major routes of
exposure to food at the worksite, which is cafeterias, vending machines, catered food
at meetings, and informal food. Informal food was food brought in by individuals for
them to keep in their personal pantries at work. It is met by them the impartial of their
study that the workers would choose healthier foods at worksite meetings if healthy
menu options were available and met their criteria for taste, cost, and quality.
The findings in (NHMS, 2011) also stated that the prevalence of obesity in
Malaysia was significantly higher in women 29.6% compared to men 25.0%.

7

2.2 FACTORS THAT AFFECT OBESITY AND EATING PATTERN
Correlation between obesity and personal income in both men and women was
found in (Jungwee Park, 2009), where the study stated that men age 35 to 54 in the
bottom half of the personal income distribution were less likely to be obese than their
contemporaries in the top quarter. Meanwhile, women age 18 to 54 with low personal
income were more likely than high-income earners to be obese.
According to a recent study using measured BMI (Body Mass Index) which is the
ratio of weight in kilogram to height in meter squared to asses body weight status, a
greater frequency of dining out are found, among higher-income groups which might
also related with the inverse association between income and being overweight among
men. (Kuhle and Veugelers, 2008)
Sedentariness is associated with obesity as a study in United States found that
people with sedentary jobs are equally inactive during their work days and leisure
days. They conclude in their studies that working people on work days are associated
with more sitting and less walking/standing time than leisure days. (McCrady et al.,
2009)
Societal and behavioural changes over the last decades are held responsible for
the increasing of the sedentary lifestyles among the society. A huge evidence that are
found that concludes obesity develops when energy intake continuously exceeds
energy expenditure, which would cause a fundamental chronic energy imbalance.
(Nathalie D et al., 2007)
The changes in everyday lifestyle, predominantly dietary habits, have been
optional as explanations for association between shift works with BMI. Changes of
eating habits and other life style changes, among shift workers may lead to increase in
BMI, which in turn contribute to higher level of hypertension and cardiovascular risk
associated with shift work. (Chitropala D et al., 2010)

8

According to Jungwee Park,(2009) stated that the odd of obesity significantly
increases with low level of education in both men and women except for the young
workers (age 18 to 34). For example, the odds were 1.6 times as high for workers age
35 to 54 with less than high school graduation as they were for workers with
completed postsecondary education. In another research by (Raine, 2004), where there
might be correlations between educational level and healthy lifestyle which includes
eating habits and physical activity level, this is consistent with the study of Jungwee
Park,(2009) which conclude that educational level does determine body weight. In
National Obesity Observatory,(2012) of England, also stated that both men and
women with degree-level qualifications have significantly lower rates of obesity than
all others and, adults with no qualifications have the highest rates of obesity.
However, a study in the United States among Black-White Disparities proves that, a
higher education does not appear protective against the obesity epidemic nor
racial/ethnic disparities in overweight/obesity.(Chandra L.J et al., 2013)
In another research conducted by Cheong, S Man et al.,(2010) stated that after
a pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-
demographic factors, work related factors, psychosocial factors, and weight control
behaviours. They obtain data where overweight was seen in 31.9% of males and
26.5% of females while 16.1% of them were obese, irrespective of gender. Their
results which are significant also showed that socio-demographic factors (age, gender,
and education) and psychosocial factors (perceived health status, body weight
perception, and weight-control goals) are associated with BMI. The working hours of
the employee are also associated with BMI significantly. They conclude that obesity
contribute to socio-demographic, psychosocial factors and working hours.
A study showed that in a setting where dietary patterns remain largely
traditional, there was an evidence of a higher risk of being overweight and over fat
associated with consumption of not with snacking but due to modern types of foods.
(Elodie B et al., 2010) In another research by (Dariush M. et al., 2011) stated that
specific dietary and lifestyle factors are independently associated with long-term
weight gain.

9

In the urban settings many food premises (including those operating 24 hours a
day), are fully occupied with those who regularly practiced eating-out. (Noraziah A
and M.A. Abdullah, 2012) and based on secondary data that has been collected also
by Noraziah A and M.A. Abdullah,(2012) from several case studies in Bandar Baru
Bangi (Selangor), Jitra (Kedah) and Segamat (Johor) the practice of eating-out had
become a trend among urban workers, students and even families because they could
not go home to eat or because they stated there was no food at home. They also found
that besides the normal meal hours, the time of eating to some is no longer restricted
due the food service operation which is always available. Which a conclusion that
some simply can eat at any time anywhere. The presence of 24 hours restaurants has
encouraged night workers, teenagers, and late sleepers to have their meal late at night
or early mornings.
In the recent online factsheet article which is also by National Obesity
Observatory,(2012) of England, found that a lower socioeconomic status measurement
related with a greater risk of obesity in women while in men only some measures
shows clear relationship in obesity. Furthermore they stated that obesity prevalence
and occupational based class are associated mostly in both women and men, where
professional occupations have lower obesity prevalence than any other group.

In majority of the countries, the rates of death and poorer self-assessments of
health were significantly higher in groups of lower socioeconomic status, however the
magnitude of the inequalities between groups of higher and lower socioeconomic
status was much larger in some countries than in others. (Johan P.M et al., 2008)

A cross sectional study in Hong Kong among nurses had found that shift duties
were substantially associated with abnormal eating behaviour among nurses working
in hospitals. (Hidy W et al., 2010)

There a high prevalence of overweight compared to the national rate was
found among the women workers in the study titled “Dietary and Other Factors
Associated with Overweight among Women Workers in Two Electronics Factories in
Selangor”. The findings showed that women who were older, ever married, had lower

10

educational level, had higher salary, not living in the hostel, involved in shift work,
and trying to lose weight were more likely to be overweight. (Lim H.M. et al., 2003)
More than 20 years ago, the principal mode of working has become computer
based in developed/high-income countries. 6 This has resulted in many people
spending their workday sitting. This lifestyle promotes physical inactivity which
would lead to obesity. (James A.L et al., 2007)

11

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
3.1 SAMPLE
This study is a cross sectional study which is conducted from June 2013 until
October 2013 to explore and to identify the relationship between eating behaviour,
obesity and other related contributing factor among office worker and non- office
worker with various age in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. This research will be
conduct at Management & Science University (MSU) Shah Alam Section 13. Where
this will include the office workers such as lecturers, administrator or office staff and
non – office worker such as marketing department staff and also the contract workers
for instance. A cross sectional study is primarily used to determine prevalence.
Prevalence equals the number of cases in a population at a given point in time. All the
measurements on each person are made at one point in time. Specifically this study is
done by a cross sectional study is due to how relatively quick the study is and on top
of that it can study multiple outcomes and it is the best way to determine prevalence
(CJ Mann 2003). The inclusion criterion is office or non – office worker which may
have obesity while the exclusion criterion is a body builder or pregnant women who is
pregnant for more than 4 months and not taking any pills or medication on losing
weight or have any chronic disease.
3.2 SAMPLING METHOD
The sampling technique use for this study is simple random sampling where
after thorough calculation has been done, the number of 200 samples are to be taken
as a participants for this study.

12

3.2.1 Measures and Data Collection
Participants are asked to fill up the self-administered questionnaire on socio
demographic including height and weight. Later, the BMI was calculated by dividing
weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (WHO, 1998). BMI is a measure of
weight status. BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their
height in metres. The following cut-offs are used to classify adults and are
recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and
the World Health Organization (WHO):
To assess participants eating behaviour, Eating Behaviour Patterns
Questionnaire (EBPQ) adapted from Schlundt DG, PhD. Vanderbilt University School
Medicine SODA Questionnaire (Schlundt et al. 2003) was used. The Eating
Behaviour Patterns Questionnaire (EBPQ) consisted of a total of 51 questions that
were subdivided into low fat eating (11 total questions), snacking and convenience (11
total questions), emotional eating ( 8 total questions), planning ahead ( 5 total
questions), meal skipping (7 total questions), and cultural / lifestyle behaviour (9 total
questions). Item asked are such as: “I eat for comfort”, “I use low-fat product”, “I
carefully watch the portion sizes of my foods” and “if I am bored I will snack more”.
Each question are to be answer in a likert scale style which is 1 to 5 scale and the scale
were, strongly agree (5), agree (4), Neutral (3), Disagree (2), and strongly disagree
(1). From the questionnaire answered, an average of scores for each section which will
be categorized as Low Fat Eating, Snacking & Convenience, Emotional Eating,
Planning Ahead, Meal Skipping and Cultural/Lifestyle Behaviour are calculated by
dividing the total number of scores in each section by the total number of question and
if the average is 4 or 5, the individual would be categorized as having that certain
characteristic of that eating behaviour.
BMI range (kg/m2) Classification
Less than 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Normal weight
≥25.0 Overweight
25.0 – 29.9 Pre-obese
30.0 – 34.9 Obese Class I
35.0 – 39.9 Obese Class II
≥40 Obese Class III

13

3.2.2 Data Analysis
Statistical test that are to be use is Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 21.0 via Pearson’s Chi Squared (x2
) test and Descriptive test to
determine frequency. This test will be used in order to determine the distribution of
obesity in both office and non-office workers as well as the relationship between
eating pattern and obesity. The socioeconomic status of the participants, along with
their educational level and gender will be differentiated and calculated as well. For all
test, the differences were considered significant if p<0.05.

14

Study Variable
 Independent variable
Type of participant gender, educational and socioeconomic status
 Dependent variable
Eating pattern & Body Mass Index (BMI)
Sampling Area
Management & Science University (MSU) Shah Alam Section 13.
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Sampling Technique
Simple Random Sampling (n=200)
Sampling Criteria
 Inclusion Criterion
Office or non-office worker
 Exclusion Criterion
A body builder or a pregnant women which currently not taking any pills or
medication on losing weight or having a chronic disease
Instruments
Eating Behavior Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ) is use (adapted from Schulundt
DG, PhD. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine SODA)
 Using Body Mass Index (BMI) (WHO, 1998).
 Weight & Height = SECA 703
Data Collection
Data collected from questionnaire consisting of
Part A: Demographic Information
Part B: Socioeconomic Status
Part C: EBPQ
Data collected over a period of 3 months
Data Analysis
Statistical Product and Services Solution (IBM SPSS Statistics) 21.0
Analyzed using Chi Squared Test (x2
) test

15

CHAPTER IV
RESULTS
4.1 RESULTS
4.1.1 Socio-demographic Characteristic
Two hundred of office worker and non-office worker participated voluntarily
in this study where office worker 141 (70.5%) and 59 (29.5%) non-office worker. The
majority was females 108 (54%) and a count of 92 (46%) males. Most of them were
Malays 131 (65.5%) while Indians and Chinese constituted of 19.5% and 6%
respectively. Regarding educational level, majority had Bachelor’s Degree (45%)
followed by Master’s Degree as second highest (25.5%). Majority of the participant’s
income was RM 2,000 to RM2,999 (43%), followed by RM1,000 to RM1,999
(23.5%) , RM3,000 to RM3,999 (18.5%), RM4,000 to RM4,999 (9%), more than
RM5000 (3.5%) and RM600-RM999 (2.5%). From the data obtained, majority of the
participants have an overweight BMI (43%) while others are 41.5%, 11% and 4.5%
which are normal, obese and underweight respectively.
4.1.2 Eating Behaviour Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ)
From the survey conducted, most of the participants are in the categories of
Low Fat Eating (20%) while the 37 (18.5%) of them are in Snacking & Convenience,
followed by Meal Skipping (17.0%), Emotional Eating which same as Planning
Ahead (15%) and Cultural/Lifestyle Behaviours (14.5%).(Table 4.1)

16

Figure 4.1 shows that 54% of the respondents are male while female are 46%. These
frequency are from both office and non-office worker categories.
46%
54%
Gender
Male Female
Figure 4.1 Gender Frequency of the Respondent

17

The figure above shows the ethnicity of the respondent participated in this study. 66%
of them are Malay which is the majority. 20% of them are Indian which are second
highest. 9% of them are others, which consist of mixed ethnicity, Arabian and
Javanese. Another 6%, the lowest population are the Chinese.
Malay
66%
Chinese
6%
Indian
19%
Others
9%
Ethnicity
Figure 4.2 Ethnicity Frequency of the Respondent

18

The Figure 4.3 shows that the Body Mass Index (BMI) status of the respondent. The
majority of the respondent BMI are overweight 43%, followed by normal weight,
obese and underweight 41.5%, 11% and 4.5% respectively.
4.50%
41.50%
43%
11%
Underweight
Normal Weight
Overweight
Obese
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Underweight Normal Weight Overweight Obese
Figure 4.3 Body Mass Index (BMI) statuses Frequency of the Respondent

19

Educational Level frequency of the respondent is portrayed in the Figure 4.4 above,
where Bachelor’s Degree is the highest educational level among the respondent which
is 45%. 25% of them are Master’s Degree holder, 16% Diploma holder, Foundation
and High School level are equally the same 6%. While no schooling completed are
more over Doctorate level of education which is 2% and 1% respectively.
3%
7%
6%
16%
45%
26%
1%
Educational Level
No Schooling Completed
High School
Foundation
Diploma
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctorate Degree (Phd, Edd)
Figure 4.4 Educational Level Frequency of the Respondent

20

The figure above shows the type of the employment of the respondent frequency.
After a random sampling of the data collection, a number of 70.5% of office worker
while 29.5% of non-office worker are obtained.
70.50%
29.50%
Office Worker Non‐Office Worker
Type of Employment
Office Worker Non‐Office Worker
Figure 4.5 Type of Employment Frequency of the Respondent

21

Figure 4.6 shows the frequency of socioeconomic status of the respondent. The
majority incomes of the participant are RM 2,000 until RM 2,999 which is 43%. RM
1,000 until RM 1,999 comes as second majority of the participant income with 23.5%.
18.5% of the participant are had RM 3,000 until RM 3,999, 9% of them had RM 4,000
until RM 4,999 and the lowest are the income of people more than RM5,000 which is
3.5% and RM 600-RM699 which is 2.5%.
2.50%
23.50%
43%
18.50%
9%
3.50%
RM600‐699 RM1,000‐1,999 RM2,000‐2999 RM3,000‐3,999 RM4,000‐4,999 ≥RM5000
RM600‐699 RM1,000‐1,999 RM2,000‐2999
RM3,000‐3,999 RM4,000‐4,999 ≥RM5000
Figure 4.6 Socioeconomic Status Frequency of the Respondent

22

The eating behaviour pattern frequency is shown in the pie chart of the Figure 4.7.
The majority of the participant chose their eating pattern as Low-Fat Eating which is
20% of them. While seconded by Snacking & Convenience by 19%. Followed by
Meal Skipping habit which is 17%. Emotional Eating and Planning Ahead have the
same percentage which is 15%. The last and lowest categories in participant eating
behaviour are the Cultural/Lifestyle behaviour with 14%.
20%
19%
15%
15%
17%
14%
Eating Pattern Behaviour
Low‐Fat Eating
Snacking & Convenience
Emotional Eating
Planning Ahead
Meal Skipping
Cultural/Lifestyle Behaviour
Figure 4.7 Eating Pattern Behaviour Frequency of the Respondent

23

Table4.1: Summary of Socio-Demographic Information
CHARACTERISTIC N (%)
GENDER
Male
Female
92(46%)
108(54%)
ETHNIC
Malay
Chinese
Indian
Others
131(65.5%)
12(6%)
39(19.5%)
18(9%)
BODY MASS
INDEX (BMI)
Underweight
Normal Weight
Overweight
Obese
9(4.5%)
83(41.5%)
86(43%)
22(11%)
EDUCATIONAL
LEVEL
No Schooling Completed
High School
Foundation
Diploma
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Doctorate Degree (Phd, Edd)
3(1.5%)
13(6.5%)
11(5.5%)
31(15.5%)
90(45%)
51(25.5%)
1(0.5%)
RESPONDENT
TYPE OF
EMPLOYMENT
Office Worker
Non-Office Worker
141(70.5%)
59(29.5%)
MONTHLY
INCOME
RM600-RM699
RM1,000-RM1,999
RM2,000-RM2,999
RM3,000-RM3,999
RM4,000-RM4,999
≥RM5000
5(2.5%)
47(23.5%)
86(43%)
37(18.5%)
18(9%)
7(3.5%)
EATING PATTERN
Low-Fat Eating
Snacking & Convenience
Emotional Eating
Planning Ahead
Meal Skipping
Cultural/Lifestyle Behaviors
40(20%)
37(18.5%)
30(15%)
30(15%)
34(17%)
29(14.5%)

24

.
From the analysis done, it show that most of the office worker who are overweight are
more on Cultural/lifestyle eating behaviour (46.8%), this are due to their everyday life
lifestyle and culture with their family such as having a big meal with their family on
Sunday. While the obese office worker are more prone to planning ahead and
cultural/lifestyle behaviour (11.3%), where they are more on planning what to eat this
is due to their consciousness on their weight and plan to reduce their body weight
status.
Low Fat
Eating
Snacking &
Convenien
ce
Emotional
Eating
Planning
Ahead
Meal
Skipping
Cultural/Li
festyle
Behaviour
Underweight 2.10% 0.70% 0.70% 0.00% 0.00% 3.50%
Normal Weight 9.90% 5.70% 2.80% 11.30% 5.70% 38.30%
Overweight 5.70% 9.20% 9.90% 5.00% 9.20% 46.80%
Obese 2.10% 2.10% 2.10% 1.40% 1.40% 11.30%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
35.00%
40.00%
45.00%
50.00%
Office Worker Body Mass Index (BMI)
Status and Eating Pattern
Figure 4.8 Association between Office Worker Body Mass Index (BMI) Status
and Eating Pattern

25

The non office worker in this graph shows that the overweight participants are more
on meal skipping eating behaviour (8.5%) this is because of apparently their work are
more to hard labour and they tend to skip their meal and thought it is better than
feeling bad after eating. While the obese participants are equally on low fat eating,
emotional eating and cultural/lifestyle behaviour. Thus, between BMI status and
eating pattern show’s there is no association for both office workers and non-office
worker.
Low Fat
Eating
Snacking &
Convenienc
e
Emotional
Eating
Planning
Ahead
Meal
Skipping
Cultural/Lif
estyle
Behaviour
Underweight 0% 3.40% 1.70% 0% 0% 1.70%
Normal Weight 11.90% 10.20% 1.70% 6.80% 10.20% 8.50%
Overweight 5.10% 6.80% 6.80% 1.70% 8.50% 5.10%
Obese 3.40% 0% 3.40% 0% 0% 3.40%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
Non‐Office Worker Body Mass Index (BMI)
Figure 4.9 Association between Non-Office Worker Body Mass Index (BMI)

26

From the figure 4.10, it shows that the office worker socioeconomic status of
overweight person shows that 18.4% of them had RM2000-RM2999 income per
month. This shows that person with a mid income in this categories show more prone
to being overweight. For the obese participants, majority of them (3.5%) had an
income of RM3000-RM3999. Thus it shows significant association between office
worker body mass index and socioeconomic status p<0.05.
RM600‐
RM699
RM1000‐
RM1999
RM2000‐
RM2999
RM3000‐
RM3999
RM4000‐
RM4999
RM5000 or
more
Underweight 0.00% 0.70% 1.40% 1% 0% 0.00%
Normal Weight 0.00% 0.60% 22.00% 5.00% 0.70% 0.00%
Overweight 1.40% 5.70% 18.40% 10.60% 8.50% 2.10%
Obese 0.00% 1.40% 2.10% 3.50% 2.80% 1.40%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
Office Worker Body Mass Index (BMI) Status
and Socioeconomic status
and Socioeconomic Status

27

The non office worker socioeconomic statuses are more to income of RM1000-
RM1999 (15.3%). The non-office worker such as the janitor, guards might have no
choice of eating, thus they are need to chose foods which are more cheap, bring satiety
thus make them feel full although the food might not be nutritious. Same goes to the
obese non office worker, 6.8% of them have the income of RM1000-RM1999.
Differently goes to the normal weight participants where their income are RM2000-
RM2999 majority (28.8%). It shows that there is no association between non office
worker body mass index and their socioeconomic status where p>0.05
RM600‐
RM699
RM1000‐
RM1999
RM2000‐
RM2999
RM3000‐
RM3999
RM4000‐
RM4999
RM5000 or
more
Underweight 0.00% 1.70% 3.40% 2% 0% 0.00%
Normal Weight 0.00% 11.90% 28.80% 6.80% 1.70% 0.00%
Overweight 3.40% 15.30% 6.80% 5.10% 0.00% 3.40%
Obese 1.70% 6.80% 1.70% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
35.00%
Status and Socioeconomic status
Status and Socioeconomic Status

28

Figure 4.12 shows that the majority of the office worker eating pattern (70%) are
cultural/lifestyle behaviour which are on income of RM600-RM699. Their
socioeconomic status reflects the way of their eating behaviour. They prone to chose
lifestyle of eating such as eating a lot at social events, buying meat every time goes to
the groceries stores. 9.2% of them which income per month are RM2000-RM2999
more to planning ahead their meals and meal skipping equally (9.2%). From the
results, it shown that there is an association between office worker eating pattern and
their socioeconomic status which is significantly tested p<0.05
RM600‐
RM699
RM1000‐
RM1999
RM2000‐
RM2999
RM3000‐
RM3999
RM4000‐
RM4999
RM5000
or more
Low Fat Eating 0.00% 7.10% 4.30% 6.40% 2.10% 0.00%
Snacking & Convenience 0.70% 1.40% 9.90% 2.80% 2.10% 0.70%
Emotional Eating 0.00% 2.10% 7.80% 0.70% 4.30% 0.70%
Planning Ahead 0.00% 3.50% 9.20% 1.40% 2.10% 1.40%
Meal Skipping 0.00% 2.80% 9.20% 3.50% 0.00% 0.70%
Cultural/Lifestyle Behaviour 70.00% 1.40% 3.50% 5.70% 1.40% 0.00%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
Office Worker Eating Pattern and
Socioeconomic status

29

From the figure 4.13 above, non-office worker eating pattern are majority on low fat
eating and meal skipping where their income are RM1000-RM1999 and RM2000-
RM2999 11.9% respectively. They are prone to these type of eating pattern are due to
their choices of eating where most of them pack their own meal at homes and bring
them to work due to socioeconomic status and they tend to skip their meal because of
their workload and it is shown that it is statistically insignificant between non office
worker eating pattern and their socioeconomic status p>0.05
RM600‐
RM699
RM1000‐
RM1999
RM2000‐
RM2999
RM3000‐
RM3999
RM4000‐
RM4999
RM5000
or more
Low Fat Eating 0.00% 11.90% 5.10% 3.40% 0.00% 0.00%
Snacking & Convenience 1.70% 3.40% 10.20% 5.10% 0.00% 0.00%
Emotional Eating 1.70% 6.80% 3.40% 1.70% 0.00% 0.00%
Planning Ahead 0.00% 0.00% 6.80% 1.70% 0.00% 0.00%
Meal Skipping 1.70% 5.10% 11.90% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Cultural/Lifestyle Behaviour 0.00% 8.50% 3.40% 1.70% 1.70% 3.40%
0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
12.00%
14.00%
Non‐Office Worker Eating Pattern and
Socioeconomic status
Figure 4.13 Associations between Non-Office Worker Eating Pattern and

30

24.8% of the office workers who are overweight are male and 3.5% are obese while
Female it shows that 22% of them are overweight while 7.8% is obese. This shows
those female office workers are more prone to obesity and male office worker are
more to being overweight. This is proportional to the results of the findings by NHMS
2011 where women obesity prevalence is higher than men by 4.6%. The result of this
finding also shows that it is statistically significant between the associations between
office worker body mass index and their gender.
Male 0.00% 10.60% 24.80% 3.50%
Female 3.50% 27.70% 22.00% 7.80%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
Office Worker Body Mass Index (BMI) and
Gender
and Gender

31

Non office worker who have overweight are more prone to men equally to female who
are normal weight (25.4%). While obese men are 8.5% equal to overweight female
thus obese female are only 1.7%. This shows that male is more to be overweight and
obese rather than female non office worker. This are due to the factor that male non
office worker are less conscious of their body weight status which also contribute to
their lack of education factor rather than female non office worker. From the numbers,
it shows that there are no significant association between non office worker body mass
index with their gender p>0.05.
Male 5.10% 23.70% 25.40% 8.50%
Female 1.70% 25.40% 8.50% 1.70%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
and Gender
Status and Gender

32

Figure 4.16 illustrate the results of eating pattern of the office worker by their gender.
It shows that female of office worker are more prone to low fat eating behaviour
(16.3%) while male are more to planning ahead and cultural/lifestyle behaviour
(8.5%). Female office worker concern more in the way they eat and tend to eat low fat
products and no to eat meat often but those who are overweight or obese which follow
this kind of eating behaviour are because they want to reduce their weight as well. It
also shows that the result obtained are significantly proven and there are an
association between office worker eating pattern with their gender p<0.05.
Low Fat
Eating
Snacking &
Convenienc
e
Emotional
Eating
Planning
Ahead
Meal
Skipping
Cultural/Life
style
Behaviour
Male 3.50% 6.40% 7.10% 8.50% 5.00% 8.50%
Female 16.30% 11.30% 8.50% 9.20% 11.30% 4.30%
0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
12.00%
14.00%
16.00%
18.00%
Office Worker Eating Pattern and Gender
Figure 4.16 Associations between Office Worker Eating Pattern and Gender

33

Figure 4.17 shows that non office worker male are more prone to low fat eating and
snacking and convenience (16.9%) while female are more to planning ahead and meal
skipping (8.5%). Snacking and convenience are where these male non- office workers
are tend to eat fast food rather than to walk to the restaurant, eating out more often and
snack while working. This type of eating behaviour are due to their lack of time which
makes them to eat on the go and not enough balance time to sit down properly and
have meals with a proper dish. Thus, it is not significant and not associated between
non office worker eating pattern with their gender p>0.05.
Low Fat
Eating
Snacking &
Convenienc
e
Emotional
Eating
Planning
Ahead
Meal
Skipping
Cultural/Life
style
Behaviour
Male 16.90% 16.90% 6.80% 0.00% 10.20% 11.90%
Female 3.40% 3.40% 6.80% 8.50% 8.50% 6.80%
0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
12.00%
14.00%
16.00%
18.00%
Non‐Office Worker Eating Pattern and
Gender
Figure 4.17 Associations between Non-Office Worker Eating Pattern and Gender

34

Table 4.2: Association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Eating Pattern in
Office and Non-Office Worker Regarding Gender, Educational Level and
Socioeconomic Status.
VARIABLES
OFFICE WORKER NON-OFFFICE
WORKER
BMI EATING
PATTERN
BMI EATING
PATTERN
GENDER
x²=11.29,
p=0.008
x²=13.09,
p=0.023
x²=5.22,
p=0.156
x²=13.64,
p=0.018
HIGHEST LEVEL OF
EDUCATION
x²=28.62,
p=0.018
x²=28.17,
p=0.300
x²=10.37,
p=0.796
x²=22.17,
p=0.626
MONTHLY INCOME x²=30.34,
p=0.011
x²=40.04,
p=0.029
x²=19.03,
p=0.212
x²=30.90,
p=0.192

35

CHAPTER V
DISCUSSION
In this study, it shows that almost half of the respondents are overweight (43%)
which by categories classifies office worker male 39% and female 61%, and the
frequency of overweight are 46.8% and obese 11.3%. Obese female office worker are
12.8% which is more than obese male office worker which is 9.1%, a similar study in
Selangor, Malaysia that determine the prevalence of obesity among adult women (20-
59 years old) shows that obesity prevalence are high among this categories. (S. M.
Sidik and L. Rampal, 2009)
Office worker BMI by Eating Pattern in Figure 4.9 shows that most of the
office workers who are overweight are at 46.8% on Cultural/lifestyle behaviour.
While 38.3% of them who are at normal weight are also on Cultural/lifestyle
behaviour. This results shows that, there are certain cultural/lifestyle behaviour which
are healthy. Although eating a meal with family on weekends could lead to excess
calories and energy imbalance, it also proves that good food could be practice with
family during holidays or weekend gathering. The figure also shows those office
workers who are on planning ahead behaviour are 11.3% which they are at a normal
weight which are equal with obese person who are on cultural/lifestyle behaviour.
Planning Ahead behaviour question for example “I know what I am going to eat for
dinner when I woke up in the morning” are a good planning. Planning on what are the
foods and how much is it are preventing excess calories intakes.

36

While for the non-office worker BMI by Eating Pattern in Figure 4.10 gives
the results of 11.9% of them which are the majority are on Low Fat Eating behaviour
and they are at a normal weight. Low fat eating such as lowering meat intake and
avoid buying meat every time going to a groceries store can statistically ensure of
having a normal body weight. However, 10.2% of the non-office worker are on
snacking and convenience and meal skipping behaviour while their body weight are
normal. Snacking healthily are advice to avoid overeating and having large meals.
Although convenience question in the EBPQ are also on eating fast food regularly,
normal body weight person could also have complication such as high blood pressure
due to high sodium intakes. These people are more comfortable with their weight and
are not worried in gaining weight over a fast food meal thus long term could affect
them. While for the meal skippers, they are afraid on gaining weight because they are
very conscious with their body weight status and due to not aware of the bad
consequences of meal skipping. For overweight non-office worker, they are more on
meal skipping behaviour which is 8.5%, this can be related with the normal weight
workers who are also a meal skippers. It shows that the consequences of meal
skipping could lead to overweight due to overeat or excess calorie intakes in the next
meal after the one that they skip. While for obese non-office workers, they are more
prone to cultural and lifestyle behaviour (3.4%) such as having a serving of meat on
each meal or eat seasoned vegetables with meat.
However, the study had found that both of the office and non-office worker
BMI by Eating Pattern behaviour are not statistically significant which p=0.080 and
p=0.445 respectively.
From the results of office worker BMI by Socioeconomic Status in figure 4.11,
it shows that 22% of them who had an income of RM2000-RM2999 are at a normal
weight however, 18.4% of the people who had the exact same income categories are at
an overweight state. This can be explain through choices made individually, where
choices by behaviour are related at this point and by this results could also be
explained that middle income in these categories are equally on being overweight or
normal regarding their choices or knowledge which may related to educational level
of the workers. Where in this study had found Office worker BMI are also associated
with highest level of their education (p=0.018) with the majority of 39.5% of

37

Bachelor’s Degree holder, while NHMS fourth edition on 2011 had reported that
tertiary education respondent who have higher prevalence of obesity 14.1% rather
than no education respondent 12.5%.(NHMS 2011) The eating pattern of the office
worker as well as non-office worker BMI status and eating pattern are not associated
with their educational level. While for the obese office worker, 3.5% of them which
are the majority had an income of RM3000-RM3999 per month while less on obese
person who had only RM1000-RM1999 income per month (1.4%). Socioeconomic
status or income per month does play a role in determine on how a certain person
chooses food or consume them while considering other liability as well which could
also relate to their financial status and eating habit as well. The second highest in
overweight categories are also in the office worker who had an income of RM3000-
RM3999. While for the non-office worker BMI by Socioeconomic Status shows
results in the figure 4.12 of 28.8% of them who are at a normal weight had an income
of equal which is RM2000-RM2999. While for the non-office worker who are at an
overweight status had an income of RM1000-1999 which is 15.3% of them. Having a
lower income status may affect the choices of choosing foods for example satiety and
excess calories food over a healthy and energy dense and nutritious food. In
conjunction with the obese non-office worker who are also had an income of
RM1000-RM1999 majority of them (6.8%).
Furthermore, the office worker eating pattern by socioeconomic status shows
that the majority of them who are on cultural and lifestyle behaviour had an income of
RM600-699 (70%). The cultural and lifestyle behaviour of this income categories
reflected their food choices where they are tend to eat more in social events due to
income insufficiency, and due to lack of choices regarding their income status. While
9.9% of them are on snacking and convenience had an income of RM2000-RM2999
where are appropriate with their income level statuses. Equivalent results of office
worker who are on planning ahead and meal skipping which are 9.2% of them who
also in the same income categories which is also RM2000-RM2999. Emotional eating
behaviour also had a quite impact with 7.8% of the office workers are emotional
eaters and the emotional eaters are more to eat regarding their feeling at a certain point
of time which inevitably affected their mind, body thus leads to obesity. Whilst, for
the non-office worker eating pattern by socioeconomic status, it shows that the result
of 11.9% of them are on meal skipping and low fat eating behaviour and had an

38

income of RM2000-RM2999 and RM1000-RM1999 respectively. In this results
shows that a low fat eater are more on the person who had a lower income rather than
the higher income. It reflect that the person with lower income status are more to eat
these low fat foods are because they are more on bringing take away foods from their
own home as more of these non-office workers are guards and cleaners as well as
contractor from the building site. While the meal skippers skip their meal due to heavy
work load and time insufficiency as their job are long hours and a few rest time.
Hence, the study had found a significant result between BMI (p=0.011), eating
pattern (p=0.029) with socioeconomic status of the office worker conversely with non-
office worker BMI or even eating pattern. A proportional study which study on the
association of socioeconomic status with obesity concludes that higher educational
achievement and higher socioeconomic status were associated with a lower risk of
obesity in both men and women, in contrast higher occupational status was associated
with a lower risk for women only, (Jane Wardle et al,. 2002) though the result for this
study finding convey that 43% of the respondent monthly income were RM2000-
RM2999.
The office worker BMI by gender graph in figure 4.14 show a result of
majority female office worker are at normal weight with 27.7% while the majority of
male are overweight with 24.8%. While there are 10.6% of normal weight male, 22%
overweight female followed by 3.5% of underweight female, 3.5% as well for the
obese male and statistically 7.8% of female are obese. This shows that female office
worker majority of them are at a normal weight vice versa with male who only have
10.6% of them which are at normal weight. The results indicate that male are more
prone to be overweight nevertheless, female are more prone to be obese. This is due to
the behaviour as well, where female are more to emotional eating behaviour which is
8.5% rather male which is only 7.1%. Female snacking and convenience behaviour
are also more than male by 4.9%. For the non-office worker BMI by gender graph in
figure 4.15, it conclude the results to male are more prone to be obese and overweight
as well by 8.5% and 25.4% respectively. Whilst for female, their majority are more on
being at normal weight 25.4%, they only overweight by 8.5% and obese by 1.7%.
Lack of education, long working hours, heavy workload, low income, unpredictable
meal time meal skipping behaviour as well as snacking are contributed to their weight

39

status. While for the office worker eating pattern and gender graph in figure 4.16
explained that preponderance of the office worker are low fat eater which are also
female by 16.3% while the male are more to planning ahead behaviour and cultural
and lifestyle behaviour with 8.5%. From the survey conducted it is factual and
conclusive that female is more conscious on their body weight status and their eating
behaviour despite that the majority of the obese are female office worker which also
explain that the other than low fat eating behaviour they are also more to snacking and
convenience as well as meal skipping behaviour which is by 11.3%. Males are more to
following their cultural and lifestyle by eating in a large portion at a social event for
example. While for the non-office worker eating pattern by gender, it illustrate that is
vice versa with office workers where male are more to low fat eating behaviour by
16.9% nevertheless the female are more to planning ahead and meal skipping
behaviour. Unpredictable eating hours and heavy workload reflect their eating pattern
where non-office worker tend to chose more on convenience despite healthy foods and
for female they tend to skip meals rather than properly having a sit down meal which
also unnecessary for them.
Therefore this study found that office workers BMI are associated with their
gender (p=0.008) rather than non-office worker. In the fourth edition of National
Health and Morbidity Survey had reported that the prevalence of obesity among adults
aged 18 years old and above are more in female 17.6% rather than male 12.7%.
(NHMS 2011) Same goes to eating pattern behaviour which concomitant with gender
of the office worker (p=0.023) which comparatively with the study in Meru, Klang,
Malaysia where a few of the eating pattern in the Eating Behaviour Pattern
Questionnaire (EBPQ) are shown to be associated with BMI status but overall
conclude by the study that gender did not have any effect on BMI status. (N.S Zofiran
et al., 2011)

40

The r value for the standard linear regression of the body mass index and
eating pattern of the office worker statistically conclude the result of r = 0.157 while
for the non-office worker, r value between BMI and eating pattern are r = 0.019 which
this gives an indicator where there is a weak relationship between response variable
and the predictor whereas between BMI and eating pattern. While for the non-office
worker the r value is r = 0.019 which indicate there is also a weak linear relationship
between BMI of non-office worker and eating pattern.

41

CHAPTER VI
CONCLUSION
The overall results from this study can conclude that, overweight are more in
male office worker, while female office worker are more to obesity. However for the
non-office worker, male are more prone in both overweight and being obese regards
their eating behavior. In eating pattern behavior, male office worker are more to
planning ahead and cultural and lifestyle behavior while female are more to low fat
eating behavior. For the non-office worker, eating pattern of female are more to
planning ahead and meal skipping behavior vice versa with the office worker while
the male are more to low fat eating and also snacking and convenience behavior.
While for socioeconomic status, an income of RM2000-RM3999 are more
indicate of being overweight and obese in office worker, while for the non-office
worker, an income of RM600-RM3999 which indicate of being overweight while for
obese, an income of RM600-RM2999 only which indicate of having that certain BMI
status. Office worker eating pattern are reflected by their income where the income of
RM600-RM699 are more in being cultural and lifestyle behavior. While for the non-
office worker eating pattern, the majority are that an income of RM1000-RM2999 are
more to meal skipping and low fat eating behavior.
From the result obtain from this study, it shows that majority of the findings
which is the association between BMI status and related factors that may lead to
obesity are more prone to office worker. Thus conclude that obesity might be more
related on the eating pattern and socioeconomic status of the office worker conversely
with non-office worker. The data were obtained from cross-sectional study and as the
number of subjects and the time was limited further studies in a larger population,
wider scope, longer time duration and with more specific categories and test should be
done in the future.

42

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49

1 – Strongly disagree; 2 – disagree; 3 – neutral or N/A; 4 – agree; 5 – strongly agree
1. I stop for a fast food breakfast on the way to work/Saya berhenti untuk sarapan makanan
segera dalam perjalanan untuk bekerja.
1 2 3 4 5
2. My emotions affect what and how much I eat/Emosi saya menjejaskan apa dan berapa
banyak saya makan.
1 2 3 4 5
3. I use low‐fat food products/Saya menggunakan produk makanan yang rendah lemak 1 2 3 4 5
4. I carefully watch the portion sizes of my foods/Saya berhati‐hati dalam menjaga saiz bahagian
makanan saya.
1 2 3 4 5
5. I’ll buy snack from convenience store/Saya akan membeli makanan ringan dari kedai
serbaguna
1 2 3 4 5
6. I choose healthy foods to prevent heart disease/Saya memilih makanan yang sihat untuk
mencegah penyakit jantung.
1 2 3 4 5
7. I eat meatless meals from time to time because I think that is healthier for me/Saya makan
makanan yang tidak berdaging dari masa ke semasa kerana saya berfikir bahawa ia adalah sihat
bagi saya
1 2 3 4 5
8. I rather skip lunch than feeling bad after eating/Saya lebih rela tidak makan tengah hari
daripada perasaan buruk/tidak sedap hati selepas makan
1 2 3 4 5
9. When I buy snack foods, I eat until I have finished the whole package/Apabila saya membeli
makanan ringan, saya makan sehingga habis semuanya
1 2 3 4 5
10. I eat for comfort/Saya makan untuk keselesaan. 1 2 3 4 5
11. I am a snacker/ saya suka makan makanan ringan 1 2 3 4 5
12. I count fat grams/Saya mengira gram lemak 1 2 3 4 5
Part C: Eating Behavior Patterns Questionnaire (EBPQ)
(Adapted from Schulundt DG, PhD. Vanderbilt University
School of Medicine SODA Questionnaire)
Read each item and think if you agree or disagree that the
item describes you and your eating
habits. Mark the box that best describes your level of
agreement with each statement/Baca setiap pernyataan dan
berfikir jika anda bersetuju atau tidak bersetuju bahawa
pernyataan menerangkan tentang anda dan cara makan
anda.Tandakan kotak yang terbaik menerangkan tahap
perjanjian dengan setiap kenyataan anda.
1 – Strongly disagree/ Sangat
tidak bersetuju
2 – Disagree/ Tidak bersetuju
3 – Neutral or N/A
4 – Agree/ Setuju
5 – Strongly agree/ Sangat

50

13. I eat cookies, candy bars, or ice cream in place of dinner/ Saya makan biskut, gula‐gula,
       atau aiskrim untuk mengganti makan malam.
1 2 3 4 5
14. I rather order fast food and eat rather than walk to a restaurant to find foods/Saya
        Lebih sanggup memesan makanan segera dan makan daripada berjalan kaki ke restoran
        untuk mencari makanan.
1 2 3 4 5
15. I eat when I am upset/Saya makan apabila saya sedih. 1 2 3 4 5
16. I buy meat every time I go to the grocery store/Saya membeli daging setiap kali
      saya pergi ke kedai runcit.
1 2 3 4 5
17. I snack more at night/Saya lebih cenderung untuk makan snek pada waktu malam. 1 2 3 4 5
18. I rarely eat breakfast/Saya jarang makan sarapan pagi. 1 2 3 4 5
19. I try to limit the intake of red meat (beef)/Saya cuba untuk menghadkan pengambilan
      daging merah (daging lembu).
1 2 3 4 5
20. When I am in a bad mood, I eat whatever I feel like eating/Apabila saya dalam emosi yang
tidak baik, saya akan makan apa saja yang saya rasa seperti ingin makan.
1 2 3 4 5
21. I never know what I am going to eat for supper when I get up in the morning/
       saya tidak tahu apa yang saya akan makan untuk makan malam apabila saya bangun pada
       waktu pagi

1 2 3 4 5
22. I snack two to three times a day/Saya makan snek dua hingga tiga kali sehari. 1 2 3 4 5
23. Fish and poultry are the only meats I eat/Ikan dan ayam sahaja daging yang saya makan. 1 2 3 4 5
24. When I am upset, I tend to stop eating/Apabila saya marah, saya cenderung untuk berhenti
       makan.
1 2 3 4 5
25. I like to eat vegetables seasoned with fatty meat/Saya suka makan sayur‐sayuran berempah
      dengan daging berlemak.
1 2 3 4 5
26. If I eat a larger than usual lunch, I will skip supper/Jika saya makan tengah hari yang
       lebih besar daripada biasa, saya tidak akan makan malam.
1 2 3 4 5
27. I take a shopping list to the grocery store/Saya mengambil senarai membeli‐
       belah ke kedai runcit.
1 2 3 4 5
28. If I am bored, I will snack more/Jika saya bosan, saya akan makan snek 1 2 3 4 5

51

29. I tend to eat a lot at socials event/Saya cenderung untuk makan banyak pada majlis sosial. 1 2 3 4 5
30. I am very conscious of how much fat is in the food I eat/Saya sedar berapa banyak lemak
dalam makanan yang saya makan.
1 2 3 4 5
31. I usually keep cookies in the house/Saya biasanya menyimpan biskut/kuih di dalam rumah. 1 2 3 4 5
32. I have a serving of meat at every meal/Saya akan makan daging pada setiap hidangan. 1 2 3 4 5
33. I associate success with food/Saya mengaitkan kejayaan dengan makanan. 1 2 3 4 5
34. A complete meal includes a meat, a starch, a vegetable, and bread/Satu hidangan lengkap
adalah termasuk daging, kanji, sayur‐sayuran, dan roti
1 2 3 4 5
35. On Sunday, I eat a large meal with my family/Pada hari Ahad, saya makan hidangan yang
besar dengan keluarga saya.
1 2 3 4 5
36. Instead of planning meals, I will replace supper with a snack/Daripada merancang makanan,
saya akan menggantikan makan malam dengan snek.
1 2 3 4 5
37. If I eat a larger than usual lunch, I will replace supper with a snack/Jika saya makan yang lebih
besar waktu makan tengah hari biasa, saya akan menggantikan makan malam dengan snek
1 2 3 4 5
38. If I am busy, I will eat a snack instead of lunch/Jika saya sibuk, saya akan makan snek
bukannya makan tengah hari.
1 2 3 4 5
39. Sometimes I eat dessert more than once a day/Kadang‐kadang saya makan pencuci mulut
lebih daripada sekali sehari.
1 2 3 4 5
40. I reduce fat in recipes by substituting ingredients and cutting portions/Saya mengurangkan
lemak dalam resipi dengan menggantikan bahan dan mengurangkan bahagian makanan
1 2 3 4 5
41. I have a sweet tooth/ saya suka makan makanan manis 1 2 3 4 5
42. I sometimes snack even when I am not hungry/Saya kadang‐kadang makan snek walaupun
apabila saya tidak berasa lapar.
1 2 3 4 5
43. I eat out because it is more convenient than eating at home/Saya makan di luar kerana ia
adalah lebih mudah daripada makan di rumah.
1 2 3 4 5

52

45. I would rather buy take out food and bring it home than cook/Saya lebih rela membeli
makanan di luar/membungkus makanan dari memasak di rumah.
1 2 3 4 5
46. I have at least three to four servings of vegetables per day/ saya akan makan 3 hingga 4
hidangan sayur setiap hari.
1 2 3 4 5
47. To me, cookies are an ideal snack food/bagi saya, kuih/biskut adalah makanan yang
seimbang.
1 2 3 4 5
48. My eating habits are very routine/ tabiat makan saya sangat teratur. 1 2 3 4 5
49. If I do not feel hungry, I will skip a meal even if it is time to/ jika saya rasa tidak lapar saya
tidak akan makan walaupun sudah sampai waktu yang sepatutnya untuk makan.
1 2 3 4 5
50. When choosing fast food, I pick a place that offers healthy food/ bila memilih makanan
segera saya akan memilih tempat yang menawarkan makanan yang sihat.
1 2 3 4 5
51. I eat at a fast food restaurant at least three times a week/saya akan makan di restoran
makanan segera paling kuran 3 kali sehari.
1 2 3 4 5

53

GANTT CHART
Task

Duration
Nov
2012
Dec
2012
Jan
2013
Feb
2012
Mar
2013
Apr
2013
May
2013
Jun
2013
July
2013
August
2013
Sept
2013
Journal reading Literature
Review

Preparation of proposal

Develop questionnaire

Slide presentation

Proposal submission

Sample collection
Data collection
Data analysis
Thesis writing
Thesis submission

54

Education Level
No formal education
Primary Education
Secondary
Education
Tertiary Education

Occupation
Government/semi
government
Private Employee
Self employed
Unpaid worker
Retiree
Income Group
Less than RM400
RM400‐RM699
RM700‐RM999
RM1000‐RM1999
RM2000‐RM2999
RM3000‐RM3999
RM4000‐RM4999
RM5000 & Above

310

1,220

2,358
947

707

1,317
1,021
1,102
398

298
225
323
956
849
694
484
1,049

219,691

989,910

2,222,797
967,939

586,833

1,462,244
882,170
868,363
301,495

259,435
176,560
244,449
794,976
756,849
629,298
512,196
1,067,355

23.7

28.1

28.6
24.9

34.9

23.3
28.5
34.9
26.8

25.6
23.6
25.9
26.5
27.4
28.4
29.7
27.2

20.6

26.2

27.1
23.0

32.0

21.8
26.5
32.5
23.8

22.4
19.9
22.7
24.5
25.1
25.9
26.3
25.0

27.0

30..1

30.0
27.0

37.8

24.8
30.6
37.3
29.9

29.1
27.7
29.4
28.6
29.8
31.0
33.3
29.5

173

676

1,352
534

408

724
550
667
218

171
126
175
539
481
386
274
598

116,344

534,320

1,247,351
548,168

338,432

801,988
458,771
519,880
156,837

148,837
102,049
124,642
422,153
415,670
356,938
292,481
599,380

12.5

15.2

16.0
14.1

20.1

12.8
14.8
20.9
13.9

14.7
13.6
13.2
14.1
15.1
16.1
17.0
15.3

10.3

13.7

14.9
12.6

17.8

11.6
13.2
19.0
11.8

12.1
10.8
11.0
12.6
13.3
14.1
14.3
13.6

15.2

16.8

17.2
15.7

22.6

14.0
16.6
22.9
16.3

17.7
17.0
15.9
15.7
17.0
18.3
19.9
17.1
Table 4.3. Prevalence of obesity among adults by socio-demographics characteristic in Malaysia. Adapted from, Institute for Public Health
(IPH) 2011. National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 (NHMS 2011). Vol. II: Non-Communicable Diseases; 2011: 188 pages
WHO 1998 (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2
)
Count Estimated Population %( Prevalence) 95% CI
Lower Upper

SociodemographIc
characteristic

CPG 2004 (BMI≥27.5 kg/m2
)
Count Estimated Population %( Prevalence) 95% CI
Lower Upper

Association between obesity and eating pattern

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