Actividad física, ingesta alimentaria e indicadores antropométricos en estudiantes universitarios

Physical activity, food intake and anthropometry indicators in university students

Abstract

University students in health area must know about food habits and physical activity, with the intention to provide information that contributes to promote wellness and prevent chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the level of physical activity and food habits of university students and their relationship with anthropometric indicators. IPAQ questionnaire, 24h-food intake recording and basic anthropometry measurements were applied in a total of 114 Mexican students classified by gender and physical activity level. Descriptive statistic and comparison of means of study groups were done. Body composition showed differences by gender in height (p < 0.001) and ICC (p = 0.008). Males perform higher levels of physical activity compared to women. We found a considerable proportion of overweight and obese students in both genders (38.22 %). In food, both groups reported a higher consumption of fiber, cholesterol, some vitamins and minerals, and a lower consumption of energy, carbohydrates, other vitamins and minerals in men, regardless of the physical activity performed. Women with low physical activity showed significantly lower energy and carbohydrate intake than those with high physical activity, as well as vitamin A in men. The population of students in the health area of this study is overweight or obese despite the physical activity that they perform, in addition to inadequate dietary habits in some macro and micronutrients in reference to the recommended daily intake. It is suggested to take into account food education, promotion of physical activity, as well as consider other possible factors.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v11i2.158