Physical activity level, body composition, and dietary pattern in first-year university students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v74.117973Keywords:
Physical activity, body composition, dietary pattern, first-year university students, lifestyleAbstract
Introduction: During their university years, young adults often modify their lifestyles, particularly their dietary habits and physical activity, which can negatively impact their quality of life in later adulthood.
Objective: To determine the physical activity level, body composition, and dietary pattern in first-year university students.
Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 185 students from a public university in Guayaquil. The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels. Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance scale, and dietary patterns were assessed using the validated Healthy Eating Index questionnaire.
Results: The largest proportion of participants showed a moderate physical activity level (42.7%), mainly among males, whereas females predominantly exhibited low activity levels or physical inactivity (14.6%). Regarding body composition, most participants were within normal ranges, except for women’s weight, BMI, and total and segmental fat mass. The dietary pattern was characterized by low consumption of vegetables (34.1%) and fruits (34.1%). However, there was a high prevalence of hypercaloric food intake.
Discussion: The findings of this study are consistent with previous research conducted in university populations.
Conclusions: An inadequate lifestyle was evident, characterized by low to moderate physical activity levels, excess weight due to fat mass, and an unbalanced dietary pattern.
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