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Nutritional status and body complexion in students of the Laica Eloy Alfaro University of Manabí, Ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction. University students’ diets are often characterised by a number of vices, with clear repercussions on nutritional and health status. Objective. Evaluate the nutritional status and body composition of students attending the Eloy Alfaro Secular University of Manabí (ULEAM), Ecuador. Methods. An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 university students attending ULEAM. Anthropometric variables were measured from which body mass index, body frame and body composition were calculated, in accordance with a three-component model. Cardiometabolic risk was determined through waist circumference and waist/hip and waist/height indices. Results. Weight, height, and waist and wrist circumference were greater in men than in women, with no differences regarding the sum of skinfolds and waist circumference. BMI measurements revealed the majority to be overweight (49.3%), particularly in the case of women, whilst more men had a normal weight. Body frame was found to be small, whilst body composition differed according to sex, with women having a higher fat mass percentage and men having greater muscle and bone mass. Participants were found to be at cardiometabolic risk, with men being more at risk than women. Conclusions. Nutritional status revealed a high prevalence of excess body weight, small body frame and a body composition that differed between men and women. The excess body weight found, alongside evidence of cardiometabolic risk, of which BMI is a strong predictor, calls for the need for a transition towards improved nutrition.