| Summary: | University years are a critical period regarding change in eating behaviour, notably among international students. Weight gain is a serious problem among young adult who are experiencing a transition in to university life. Body weight and eating behaviour studies of Nigerian students in Malaysia has never been investigated. Therefore, the aim for this study is to investigate the change in body weight and eating behaviour of Nigerian postgraduate students in UniSZA, Malaysia. It was hypothesized that after six months living in Malaysia, the body weight and eating behaviour will not change. A total of 82 students completed a set of self-administered questionnaire, and their weight and height were measured on arrival in Malaysia and after six months of living. Descriptive statistic and paired t-test were carried out to analyze the data (IBM SP Version 20.0). Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with body weight. The study shows that body weight was significantly increased by 2.3 ± 0.5 kg. The study found that frequency of having breakfast, lunch and dinner every day was reduced. However, meal skipping was slightly increased, with breakfast as the most frequent skipped meal. Also, daily intake of fruits and vegetable were decreased after six months. Majority of the students have moderate physical activity, however, the physical inactivity level was slightly increased after six months. Quality of life significantly increased in the social relationship domain (p= 0.001). Skipping meal in order to reduce weight (~= 8.31, ~= () ()()S), eating foods at hawkers centers, coffee shops or other food stalls Ie s than once (\ month or never at all W= 7.35, p= 0.001), buying foods from Western fast food restaurants less than once a month or never at all (~= -7.00, p= 0.001), high physical activity (~= 10.17, p= 0.002), and participation in weight change program W= 5.51, p= 0.020) were adjusted significantly associated factors for body weight. Overall, the study shows that the Nigerian students have changed their eating behaviours after six months staying in Malaysia. Change in environment has an impact on body weight and eating behaviuor. There is a need to create some program to increase awareness healthier eating behaviour and lifestyle, and a provision of a cafe to cater for international students.
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