# Body Mass Index, Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle, and Breakfast Consumption Associated with Religious Affiliation in Peruvian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study found that Peruvian university students' BMI, healthy lifestyle habits, and breakfast consumption vary by religious affiliation, with Seventh Day Adventists showing healthier behaviors.

## Contribution

The study is the first to examine the association between religiosity and health habits specifically among Peruvian university students.

## Key findings

- Baptist, Catholic, and Evangelical students had higher BMIs compared to Seventh Day Adventists.
- Baptist and Evangelical students showed lower healthy lifestyle scores and breakfast consumption than Seventh Day Adventists.
- Catholic students also had a lower probability of regular breakfast consumption compared to Seventh Day Adventists.

## Abstract

Background: Despite evidence suggesting a relationship between religiosity and health habits, there is a paucity of studies specifically examining this association in the context of Peruvian university students. This study compared body mass index (BMI), adherence to a healthy lifestyle, and breakfast consumption in Peruvian university students of four religious denominations: Seventh Day Adventists (SDA), Catholics, Baptists, and Evangelicals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted online among 4557 students from a Peruvian university. The BMI and the frequency of breakfast consumption were evaluated, and the Diet and Healthy Lifestyle Scale (DEVS) was applied. The variables studied were associated using simple and multiple linear regression and Poisson models with robust variance. Results: Baptist (B = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.10–0.78; p = 0.011), Catholic (B = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.12–0.47; p = 0.001), and Evangelical (B = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.64; p = 0.014) students had a significantly higher BMI compared to SDA. Baptist (B = −0.2, 95% CI: −0.37–−0.05; p = 0.017) and Evangelical (B = −0.13, 95% CI: −0.28–−0.03; p = 0.012) students exhibited a lower mean score on the measure of healthy lifestyles compared to SDA students. Additionally, Baptist (PR = −0.32, 95% CI: −0.92–−0.12; p = 0.035) and Catholic (PR = −0.3, 95% CI: −0.99–−0.19; p = 0.016) students exhibited a lower probability of eating breakfast regularly compared to SDA students. Conclusions: Health professionals should consider these findings when designing and implementing health promotion programs that are culturally sensitive and respectful of the beliefs and practices of all religious groups in university settings.