Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake and physical activity level in medicine students from Santa Fe (Argentina)

• Main Authors: Cecilia Monsted, María Sol Lazzarino, Laura Beatriz Modini, Alicia Zurbriggen, María Alejandra Fortino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Academia Española de Nutrición y Dietética 2014-04-01
• Series: Revista Española de Nutrición Humana y Dietética
• Subjects: Obesidad; Enfermedad cardiovascular; Antropometría; Dieta; Actividad física.
• Online Access: http://renhyd.org/index.php/renhyd/article/view/32

<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing in the world and in Argentina too. Lifestyles, especially diet and physical activity (PA), are presented as key in preventing these diseases. The aim of the study was to assess anthropometric measurements, dietary intake and physical activity level in medical students, and evaluate the possible association between these variables.<br /><br /><strong>Material and methods:</strong> a cross-sectional study was performed in 141 students from the last three years of the career (21-31 years old). Body Mass Index (BMI), % Body Fat (%BF) and Waist Circumference (WC) were assessed and subjects were classified according to their cardiovascular risk (CVR) from the WC. Dietary intake was assessed by a 24-hours register, a food frequency questionnaire and the pattern of consumption was compared with the Food Guide for Argentinean population. “Argenfoods” Table of Food Composition was used for nutritional assessment and compared with WHO goals for the Prevention of Non-communicable Chronic Diseases. Diet was evaluated by the International Dietary Quality Index (DQI-I) and the compliance of the WHO goals for the Prevention of Non-communicable Chronic Diseases. Exercise was assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The possible association between different anthropometric variables, anthropometry and intake, and anthropometry and physical activity was assessed.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> 3.5% of the students were obese (31.7 ± 0.7 kg/m2) and 25.5% were overweight (26.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2), 27.7% showed increased BF (women: 36.8 ± 3.4 %; men: 29.1 ± 3.4 %) and 14.9% had limit BF (women: 31.7 ± 0,7%, men: 23.6 ± 3.4%), 23.4% had CVR per WC (women: 85.8 ± 5.6 cm; men: 101.4 ± 2.3 cm). 27.8% of normal weight individuals (women) showed increased and limit BF (35.0 ± 0.9 %). CVR by WC was associated to BMI in both sexes (p=0.001, OR=6.24) and with BF (p=0.003, OR=4.57) in women. Dietary quality was good only in a 5% and poor in a 49.7%. Over 50% did not fulfill the WHO goals and the total and saturated fat, cholesterol, simple sugar and salt values were higher, while the fiber ones were lower. BMI increase was associated to total fat (p=0.03, OR=2.01) and cholesterol (p=0.039, OR=3.43) intake only in men. The BF increase was associated to total fat (p=0.021, OR=1.65), saturated fat (p=0.007, OR=2.76)) and cholesterol (p=0.04, OR=1.84) consumption only in men. Exercise was: 39.7% low, 39.0% moderate and 21.3% intense. It was not associated with anthropometric parameters.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> in this university population inadequate diet was the most prevalent risk factor of obesity and CVD. It was followed by excess body fat, low physical activity, increased BMI and cardiovascular risk associated with the CA.</p>