The level of physical activity and somatic indicators in relation to the diet quality of students studying in faculties in the discipline of health sciences

Background: Diet and physical activity are very important lifestyle features with an impact on the development and proper functioning of the body.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the level of physical activity and selected somatic indicators and the diet quality of students studying in the field of Health Sciences.

Material and methods: The studied group consisted of 609 students aged 18-30. The study identified four categories of diet quality indicators based on the index of a healthy diet and the index of an unhealthy diet. These indicators were subjected to statistical analysis in relation to the level of physical activity determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) method and selected somatic features of the subjects: Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHtR) and Waist Circumstance (WC).

Results: A high level of physical activity statistically significantly differentiated the categories of diet quality indicators. A larger percentage of respondents with a high level of physical activity had an indicator with the best health features of diet characteristics among all diet quality indicators selected in the study. Also, obesity according to the BMI and abdominal obesity with a high risk of metabolic complications according to the WC index statistically significantly differentiated the categories of diet quality indicators. A larger percentage of obese subjects according to BMI and WC, characterized the indicator about the worst health features of diet among all diet quality indicators selected in the study.

Conclusions: Education programs related to healthy eating should be implemented among students of Health Sciences, especially those who are overweight or obese.