Dietary Habits and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity among University Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/s81tw145Keywords:
eating habits; obesity; overweight; university students; body mass index; nutrition.Abstract
Introduction: Obesity is one of the leading public health challenges worldwide because of its close relationship with chronic noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. During university years, lifestyle changes, increased autonomy in food choices, academic demands, and reduced physical activity contribute to unhealthy eating habits that increase the risk of overweight and obesity.Objective: To analyze the impact of inadequate eating habits on the development of obesity among university students by assessing nutritional status, dietary habits, and physical activity.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 46 university students. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire on eating habits and lifestyle, complemented by anthropometric assessment to determine body mass index (BMI). Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (Student's t test, ANOVA, and Chi-square test) were performed using a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: Most participants were female (69.6%). Normal BMI was observed in 63.0% of the sample, while 28.3% were overweight and 6.5% were obese, indicating that 34.8% presented excess body weight. In addition, 67.4% reported occasional fast-food consumption, 43.5% consumed sugar-sweetened beverages occasionally, and 23.9% reported no regular physical activity. No statistically significant associations were found between BMI and sex or between BMI and physical activity frequency (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Inadequate eating habits, particularly the frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages combined with insufficient physical activity, may contribute to excess body weight among university students. These findings support the implementation of nutrition education and healthy lifestyle promotion strategies within higher education institutions.
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