Eating Habits, Physical Activity, Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in University Students: A Cross- Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores how eating habits, physical activity, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness are related among university students.

Contribution

The study identifies key associations between body composition, eating disorders, and cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults.

Findings

Nearly 20% of participants were classified as obese based on body fat percentage.

Eating disorders were significantly more common in women and linked to higher BMI and body fat.

Cardiorespiratory fitness was negatively correlated with eating disorders.

Abstract

Introduction: Unhealthy eating habits combined with low levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness pose a serious threat to the health of young people. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between selected components of body composition, the occurrence of eating disorders, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity levels among university students. Material and Methods: This study was conducted among 254 students at a university in Poland. It included the measurements of body height, body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). This research also employed the My Eating Habits (MEH) questionnaire and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Results: Based on body fat percentage (BF%), nearly one-fifth (19.69%) of participants were classified as obese. According to the body mass index (BMI), over one-third had excess body weight (overweight 24.02%, obesity 10.24%), while 6.7% were underweight. Eating disorders were significantly more prevalent in women (p = 0.0002). A significant relationship was observed between eating disorders and BMI, muscle mass (MM%), skeletal muscle mass (SMM%), body fat (BF%), and visceral fat (VFATL). Higher BMI, BF%, and VFATL were associated with a greater risk of developing eating disorders. Emotional overeating was significantly less common among individuals with normal body weight compared to those who were underweight or overweight. No statistically significant associations were found between students’ physical activity levels and eating habits. However, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was significantly negatively correlated with the presence of eating disorders. Conclusions: Understanding the relationship between components of body composition, eating disorders, physical activity levels, and cardiorespiratory fitness is crucial for designing effective interventions that promote a healthier lifestyle and psychological well-being among university students.