Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background</bold> The rising prevalence of physical inactivity is particularly alarming among young adults, including university students. Due to rapid urbanization, changing social norms, and increasing reliance on technology have further exacerbated the issue of physical inactivity. The aim is to assess the physical activity level, perceived barriers, and the stages of behaviour change of university students in urban areas of Bangladesh, and to identify the associated factors of insufficient physical activity <bold>Methods</bold> This cross-sectional study was done among 796 undergraduate students from two selected universities in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The students were purposively selected from the universities and interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire. Then physical measurements (height, weight and waist circumference) were performed using standardized methods. <bold>Results</bold> The mean age of the students was 21.4 ± 1.9 years and more than half (55.3%) were male. Almost all (94%) of the students reported sedentary leisure activities and One in every five participants (21%; 95% CI 18.5–24.2) reported low levels of physical activity. Low and moderate physical activity levels were higher among females. The top five perceived barriers to physical activity were lack of willingness, insufficient time, lack of adequate places or playgrounds, lack of peers or company, and have other important work. Gender, living status, engaging in sedentary leisure activities and central obesity were the predictors of low physical activity level. <bold>Conclusion</bold> Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are common among university students in Bangladesh, reflecting the combined influence of behavioural, socio-cultural, and environmental factors. </p>