# Rural Health: Low Obesity Rates Among Students in Portugal’s Countryside

## TL;DR

Students in rural Guarda, Portugal, have low obesity rates, possibly due to active lifestyles and traditional diets.

## Contribution

This study provides new insights into rural health dynamics by analyzing obesity rates across multiple age groups in a specific Portuguese region.

## Key findings

- Obesity rates were 9.1% in children and 9.7% in adults in Guarda, Portugal.
- Younger children, especially males, had higher obesity rates than older children.
- Physical activity and traditional diets may contribute to lower obesity rates in rural areas.

## Abstract

Dietary habits significantly influence students’ health status, with overweight and obesity posing serious global challenges linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Our cross-sectional study assessed overweight and obesity prevalence among students in Guarda, Portugal, analyzing the nutritional and lifestyle habits of 2083 students aged 6 to 58 years. The sample included 1762 school children and 321 higher education adults, grouped into age intervals: 5–12, 13–19, 20–39, and 40–59 years. BMI analysis revealed obesity rates of 9.1% in children and 9.7% in adults, with younger children, particularly males, showing higher rates compared to older children. Increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time were correlated with a lower BMI. The observed obesity rates suggest that factors such as physical activity levels, traditional dietary patterns, and access to fresh foods in this region of Portugal may contribute to better health outcomes among students.