Changes in eating habits and lifestyles in Peruvian population during social isolation by the COVID-19 pandemic

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused that some governments have implemented house confinement measures with probable consequences on lifestyle, particularly affecting eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and mental health.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the frequency of lifestyles, physical activity and sleep characteristics, as well as changes in eating habits in the Peruvian population during COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA Cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. We analyzed adults from Peru between July to August 2020 based on an online self-administered questionnaire divided into sociodemographic, anthropometrics and COVID-19 diagnostic reported, lifestyle habits and frequency of consumption of foods.FindingsDuring confinement by COVID-19, 1176 participants were studied, 39% were student, 37.5% were workers and 46% were assert not to work. The population asserted gain weight (1 to 3 Kg) and 35.7% were overweight. The lifestyles habits showed that 54.8% affirmed to doing physical activity and a large proportion (37.2%) asserted sleep less. The Peruvian population presented a main feeding patter of breakfast (95.7%), lunch (97.5%), dinner (89.1%) and brunch (44.9%). Likewise, feeding habits before and during COVID-19 pandemic showed that vegetables (OR:1.56, CI95% 1.21 - 200), fruit (OR: 1.42, CI95% 1.10 – 1.81), legumes (OR:1.67, CI95% 1.23 – 2.28) and eggs (OR: 2.00, CI95% 1.52 – 2.65) presented significantly consumption increase during social isolation, while bakery products (OR: 0.74, CI95% 0.56 – 0.97), meat, snack, refreshment and fast-food decrease consumption. Other food no significant differences were presented.ConclusionThis study in a Peruvian population showed an important frequency of overweight and sleep disorders. There was a slight increase in physical activity despite the social isolation measures and an increase in health eating habits, nevertheless a majority reported gaining weight.

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Changes in Eating Habits and Lifestyles in a Peruvian Population during Social Isolation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2021/4119620 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Salomón Huancahuire-Vega ◽

Edda E. Newball-Noriega ◽

Ricardo Rojas-Humpire ◽

Jacksaint Saintila ◽

Mery Rodriguez-Vásquez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Fast Food ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Social ◽

Healthy Eating Habits ◽

The Government ◽

Main Meal ◽

Health Objectives

Background. Peru has one of the highest infection and death rates in the world for the COVID-19 pandemic. The government implemented house confinement measures with probable consequences on lifestyle, particularly affecting eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and mental health. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the lifestyles, physical activity, and sleep characteristics, as well as changes in eating habits in a Peruvian population during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. We analyzed Peruvian adults based on an online self-administered questionnaire divided into sociodemographic, anthropometrics, COVID-19 diagnosis reported, lifestyle habits, and frequency of consumption of foods. Results. During confinement for COVID-19, 1176 participants were studied. Of these, most reported weight gain (1 to 3 kg) and 35.7% were overweight. The lifestyles habits showed that 54.8% reported doing physical activity and 37.2% sleep less. The Peruvian sample presented a main meal pattern of breakfast (95.7%), lunch (97.5%), and dinner (89.1%). Likewise, eating habits before and during COVID-19 pandemic showed that vegetables (OR:1.56, CI95% 1.21–200), fruit (OR: 1.42, CI95% 1.10–1.81), legumes (OR:1.67, CI95% 1.23–2.28), and eggs (OR: 2.00, CI95% 1.52–2.65) presented significant consumption increase during social isolation, while bakery products (OR: 0.74, CI95% 0.56–0.97), meat, snack, refreshment, and fast food decreased in consumption. Other foods showed no significant differences. Conclusion. This study showed an important frequency of overweight and sleep changes. There was a slight increase in physical activity despite the social isolation measures and an increase in healthy eating habits; nevertheless, the majority reported gaining weight.

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FACTORS AFFECTING THE PREFERENCE OF POPULATION IN LOSING WEIGHT BY EITHER BARIATRIC SURGERIES OR CONSERVATIVE STRATEGIES IN SAUDI ARABIA

International Journal of Advanced Research ◽

10.21474/ijar01/13348 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (08) ◽

pp. 951-959

Author(s):

Tamer M. Abd Elrahman ◽

◽

Nada E. Algethami ◽

Rahma A. Algethami ◽

Raghad S. Aljuaid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Bariatric Surgery ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Fast Food ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Group Ii ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Objectives: To assess factors affecting Saudi population preference in losing weight either by bariatric surgeries or by conservative strategies. Methods: A cross sectional study was done using a self-administered questionnaire distributed online. Study was done on 518 participants (group 1) who did not prefer to undergo bariatric surgery and preferred conservative strategies in weight reduction and group 2 (84 participants) who preferred to undergo bariatric surgery. Results: Participants in group 1 and group 2 represented 86% and 14% of the sample. Group II had a significant higher percent of obese and per-obese individuals, who usually eat basic meals every day, who usually have soft drinks as beverages, who eat fast food for more than 2 times weekly, who had more than 6 attempts to lose weight in the last 5 years and who thought that their families would support their efforts in improving their food habits. Group II had a statistically significant higher percent of those who consider bariatric surgery as an effective tool for weight loss, who believed that they would lose more weight with bariatric surgery, and who believe that surgery will cause a drastic change in their lifestyle. Group 1 had a significant higher percent of those who eat fruit and vegetables every day, who reported always practicing physical activity during the entire year. Conclusion: Factors affecting the preference of weight loss were eating habits, physical activity, and attempt of dieting. An efficient health education programs about bariatric surgeries is needed to correct misconceptions regarding the surgery.

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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, EATING HABITS AND SLEEP DURING SOCIAL ISOLATION: FROM YOUNG ADULT TO ELDERLY

Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte ◽

10.1590/1517-8692202127012020_0061 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 21-25

Author(s):

Lilian Messias Sampaio Brito ◽

Valderi Abreu de Lima ◽

Luis Paulo Mascarenhas ◽

Jorge Mota ◽

Neiva Leite

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional

ABSTRACT Introduction Social isolation is one of the strategies used to prevent the contagion and transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but it impacts on the daily routines and lifestyle of the population. Objective Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the physical activity, sleep and eating habits of adults and the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional study with a sample comprising 135 participants, divided by age group. First, the whole group was divided into age groups with a 10-year cut-off. They were then characterized by sex, type of home, eating habits, sleep, and physical activity. For the second analysis, the participants were organized into three groups: young adults (18-40 years), middle-aged adults (41-60 years) and elderly (>60 years). An online questionnaire was sent to all the participants, with 26 questions focusing on eating habits, sleep, protective behaviors against COVID-19, and physical activity. Results The participants were mainly women (85.9%), external community (71.1%), students’ families (17.1%), teachers and staff (11.8%). Of the total participants, 40% were dedicated to home care activities and 21.1% had started working from home. The remainder (38.9%) were engaged in activities such as studying or caring for dependents. The younger age group (18-40 years old) reported spending more time in sedentary activities during the day, and 34.2% did not perform physical activity and ate lower quality food during social isolation (p<0.01). All groups, with the exception of the 30-40 age group (p <0.01) highlighted the importance of having the presence of a teacher responsible for guiding physical activities during isolation. Conclusion We conclude that, social isolation has more negative impact on the habits of the younger group. Cross-sectional study.

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Gaya Hidup Terhadap Kejadian Overweight Pada Anak SD di Kabupaten Pangkep Tahun 2020

JURNAL GIZI DAN KESEHATAN ◽

10.35473/jgk.v13i2.107 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 146-154

Author(s):

Suherman Rate ◽

Kurnia Yusuf ◽

Fitri Wahyuni

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Elementary School ◽

School Children ◽

Fast Food ◽

Elementary School Children ◽

Eating Habits ◽

The Body ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Overweight is a condition where the body experiences a buildup of fat in the body so that the body weight is outside the ideal limit. This study aims to determine whether the habit of snacking, fast food, physical activity is related to the incidence of overweight in elementary school children at SDN 18 Tumampua 1, Pangkep Regency. This type of research is an observational study using a cross sectional design. The results showed that there was a relationship between eating habits and the incidence of overweight with a p-value of 0.000, there was a relationship between fast food and overweight with a p value of 0.000, there was a relationship between physical activity and the incidence of overweight with a p-value of 0.000. The conclusion is based on the results of the study, namely the existence of snack habits, fast food, physical activity related to the incidence of overweight in elementary school children at SDN 18 Tumampua 1 Kab.Pangkep Abstrak Overweight merupakan kondisi dimana tubuh mengalami penumpukan lemak di dalam tubuh sehingga membuat berat badan berada di luar batas ideal. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui apakah kebiasaan jajan, fast food, aktivitas fisik berhubungan dengan kejadian overweight pada anak sekolah dasar di SDN 18 Tumampua 1 Kab.Pangkep. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian observasional dengan menggunakan desain cross sectional. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya hubungan kebiasaan jajan dengan kejadian overweight dengan hasil nilai p 0.000, adanya hubungan makanan fast food dengan kejadian overweight dengan hasil nilai p 0.000, adanya hubungan aktivitas fisik dengan kejadian overweight dengan hasil nilai p 0.000. Kesimpulan berdasarkan hasil penelitian yaitu adanya kebiasaan jajan, fast food, aktivitas fisik berhubungan dengan kejadian overweight pada anak sekolah dasar di SDN 18 Tumampua 1 Kab.Pangkep

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HUBUNGAN AKTIVITAS FISIK DENGAN FUNGSI KOGNITIF LANSIA DI PANTI WREDHA YAYASAN SOSIAL SALIB PUTIH SALATIGA

Jurnal Kesehatan Kusuma Husada ◽

10.34035/jk.v10i2.389 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 137-143

Author(s):

Dennys Christovel Dese ◽

Cahyo Wibowo

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

The Elderly ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

The Social ◽

Normal Cognitive Function ◽

Intellectual Capacity ◽

Independent Variable

Peningkatan jumlah lansia setiap tahunnya harus dijadikan perhatian, akibat adanya peningkatan jumlah lansia masalah yang dihadapi akan menjadi semakin kompleks, salah satunya adalah masalah yang berkaitan dengan gejala penuaan. Menurunnya kapasitas intelektual berhubungan erat dengan fungsi kognitif pada lansia. Aktivitas fisik diidentifikasi sebagai salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi fungsi kognitif. Aktivitas fisik bermanfaat untuk lansia sebagai pencegahan dan demensia. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian analitik observasional dengan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian dilakukan di yayasan sosial Panti Wredha Salib Putih Salatiga pada bulan Juni 2018. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah lansia yang berumur ?60 tahun. Subjek pada penelitian ini berjumlah 16 responden. Variabel independen dalam penelitian ini adalah aktivitas fisik yang dinilai dengan menggunakan instrument GPAQ. Sedangkan variabel dependen dalam penelitian ini adalah fungsi kognitif yang dinilai dengan instrument MMSE. Terdapat 4 orang (25%) yang masuk dalam kategori fungsi kognitif normal dengan kategori aktifitas fisik sedang 1 orang dan aktifitas berat 3 orang, kemudian yang termasuk dalam kategori gangguan fungsi kognitif ringan sebanyak 11 orang (68,75%), dengan kategori aktifitas fisik sedang 8 orang dan aktifitas ringan 3 orang. Sedangkan yang termasuk dalam kategori gangguan fungsi kognitif berat, terdapat 1 orang (6,25%) dengan kategori aktifitasnya ringan. Taraf signifikansi antar variabel tingkat aktifitas fisik dan fungsi kognitif pada lansia adalah p=0.007 atau p<0,05, sehingga dapat disimpulkan ada hubungan antara tingkat aktifitas fisik dengan fungsi kognitif pada lansia. Increasing the number of elderly people every year should be a concern, due to an increase in the number of elderly problems faced will become increasingly complex, one of which is a problem related to the symptoms of aging. Decreased intellectual capacity is closely related to cognitive function in the elderly. Physical activity is identified as one of the factors that influence cognitive function. Physical activity is beneficial for the elderly as prevention and dementia. This study was an observational analytic study using a cross sectional approach. The study was conducted at the social foundation nursing home in the white cross in June 2018. The population in this study was elderly aged â‰¥60 years. The subjects in this study were 16 respondents. The independent variable in this study is physical activity that is assessed using the GPAQ instrument. While the dependent variable in this study was cognitive function which was assessed by the MMSE instrument. There are 4 people (25%) who fall into the category of normal cognitive function with moderate physical activity categories 1 person and heavy activities 3 people, then those included in the category of mild cognitive function disorders are 11 people (68.75%), with the category of physical activity being 8 people and 3 light activities. While those included in the category of severe cognitive function disorders, there is 1 person (6.25%) with a mild activity category. The significance level between the level of physical activity and cognitive function in the elderly is p = 0.007 or p <0.05, so it can be concluded that there is a relationship between the level of physical activity and cognitive function in the elderly.

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Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12199-020-00901-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Wafaa Husain ◽

Fatemah Ashkanani

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Fast Food ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Lifestyle Behaviours ◽

Late Night ◽

Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

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How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043397

Author(s):

Austen El-Osta ◽

Aos Alaa ◽

Iman Webber ◽

Eva Riboli Sasco ◽

Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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The Lifestyle of Saudi Medical Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157869 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7869

Author(s):

Khalid A. Bin Abdulrahman ◽

Ahmad M. Khalaf ◽

Fahad B. Bin Abbas ◽

Omran T. Alanezi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Media ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Fast Food ◽

Social Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Male Students ◽

Drinking Patterns ◽

Cross Sectional

This study was conducted to investigate medical students’ lifestyle habits, including sleep quality, eating and drinking patterns, physical activity, and social status. Method: This research project is part two of a multi-institutional cross-sectional observational study conducted among medical students from six medical colleges in Saudi Arabia between September and December 2019. Results: 675 medical students were enrolled electively into the lifestyle study. About half of this number were male students and the majority were aged 18–24 years. Most students (87.6%) slept between 4–8 h a day and over 44% were dissatisfied with their sleep. Only 28.1% had three meals a day; about 40% of them usually or always skipped breakfast. A total of 44% usually or always ate fast food and 44.7% drank 2 L of water per day. Moreover, male students were significantly consuming more fast food than females, p < 0.001. The majority (63.3%) revealed they usually or always drink black coffee daily. Females were significantly more inclined to regular coffee consumption than males, p < 0.001. Only 4.3% exercised for 30 min or more daily. The majority (65%) of the students were introverted; they had few close friends. Yet, 81% were somewhat satisfied or satisfied with their social life. Male students were significantly more satisfied with their social life than females, p = 0.001. Only 4.6% smoked cigarettes daily whereas 7.1% smoked e-cigarettes daily. In contrast, only 0.3% used shisha (hookah) daily. Male medical students were substantially more inclined to e-cigarette use than females (p < 0.001). The top five leisure activities of a medical student were surfing social media (75.9%), watching movies (61.3%), hanging out with friends (58.1%), spending time with their family (55.4%), and browsing the Internet (53.6%). Female medical students were significantly more inclined to surf social media than male medical students, p = 0.022; also, watching movies was preferred for females compared to males, p = 0.006. Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of these medical students in Saudi Arabia exhibited healthy lifestyles to some extent, and these health-promoting behaviors differed based on sex, especially concerning physical activity and eating patterns. The findings of this study provide relevant information for future actions that will be geared towards effectively decreasing the occurrence of chronic illnesses and improving future doctors’ well-being.

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Association of Internet Addiction with Adolescents’ Lifestyle: A National School-Based Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18010168 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 168

Author(s):

Chan Ying Ying ◽

S Maria Awaluddin ◽

Lim Kuang Kuay ◽

Cheong Siew Man ◽

Azli Baharudin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Internet Addiction ◽

Fast Food ◽

Positive Association ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Analysis ◽

School Based ◽

Awareness Raising ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents is an issue of growing concern with adverse effects on adolescents’ health and social functioning. This study aims to determine the prevalence of IA among school-going adolescents in Malaysia and its associated factors—specifically, lifestyle factors. A nationwide cross-sectional school-based health survey was conducted in 2017 among 27,497 students from 212 randomly selected secondary schools. Information regarding sociodemography, lifestyle, and internet use was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. IA was measured using the Malay Version of Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT). The prevalence of internet addiction was 29.0%. A multivariable logistic analysis revealed that inadequate fruit and vegetable intakes, consumed carbonated soft drinks at least once a day, consumed fast food at least three days/week, sedentary behavior, current E-cigarette users, and ever/current alcohol drinkers were lifestyle factors significantly associated with IA. Adolescents from urban schools, of higher school grade, and those whose parents are married but living apart were also found to have a greater risk for internet addiction. A positive association was found between IA with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors among adolescents. The modification of lifestyle factors needs to be considered while developing strategies and interventions for awareness-raising and prevention of IA among adolescents.

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Nutritional Status Disorders in Student Population

Serbian Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research ◽

10.2478/sjecr-2019-0027 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Djordje Stevanovic ◽

Mina Poskurica ◽

Jovan Jovanovic ◽

Miodrag Sreckovic ◽

Vladimir Zdravkovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Health Problem ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Student Population ◽

Regular Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Major Health Problem ◽

Unhealthy Eating ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Obesity is a global health problem associated with numerous pathological conditions. Unhealthy eating habits and the lack of regular physical activity are considered the most common cause of disordered nutritional status. The aim of the research was to determine the nutritional status in student population and the predictors which determine this condition. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 262 students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac (130 males and 132 females). Body weight and height, body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat (VF) were measured. Each respondent completed a specially designed questionnaire considering sociodemographic data, eating habits and physical activity. The majority of students have normal BMI values (75.6%), 5.3% were classified as underweight, 14.9% as over-weight and 4.3% as obese. Normal VF values were found in 93.1% of subjects, while high in 5.7% and very high in 1.1%. A statistically significant difference in BMI and VF values was found between male and female gender (24.41 vs. 21.05, Sig = 0.000 and 5.47 vs. 3.07, Sig = 0.000, respectively), as well as between students of the first 4 and the last 2 years of study (Sig = 0.019 and 0.000 respectively). Unhealthy eating habits, such as the consumption of sweets, snacks, fast foods and white bread, and the absence of regular physical activity were statistically more present in overweight/obese respondents. Given the significant presence of pre-obesity/obesity in the examined population, corrective measures should be taken in this population in order to avoid a major health problem in the future.

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