Abstract

RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, Fernando Javier et al. Nutritional state and lifestyle of university students in Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Univ. Salud [online]. 2013, vol.15, n.2, pp.123-135. ISSN 0124-7107.

Introduction: University students are a particular group, who for various reasons are vulnerable to poor nutrition and low level of physical exercise. Objective: To determine the nutritional status and some components which define the lifestyle in this group of students. Methods: 323 college students from 27 careers who were attending the courses of "Self-Care and Healthy Life" in 2012 were evaluated. The BMI and the fat mass through 1974 Yuhasz equation were determined, the instrument to determine the level of physical activity is applied as well as the Kidmed test for adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the test ADIMARK for the socioeconomic status. Results: The low levels of physical exercise and poor food quality of these students have negative effects on their health. It could not be possible to establish the socioeconomic status as major factor in the development of bad habits, but apparently nutrition knowledge affect food quality. Conclusion: It can be seen in this group that two of the main components of healthy lifestyle, which are exercise and diet, are damaged and a worsening of these factors could be projected, transforming the "university cycle" in a period of transition that influences the development of chronic diseases in adulthood.

Keywords : Estado nutricional; estilo de vida; estudiantes; ejercicio; Nutritional state; lifestyle; university students; physical activity.

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