[Overweight and obesity in Colombian college students and its association with physical activity].

INTRODUCTION

Overweight, obesity and physical activity are considered modifiable factors related to development of chronic diseases. Taking into account physical activity patterns in college students, it is necessary to establish its association with the excessive weight in order to prevent and to decrease the prevalence of future chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the association between excessive weight and physical inactivity among college students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An analytical cross sectional study was carried out in 2013 among college students from a private university of Bucaramanga, Colombia. Students (n=306) 18 to 25 years old were included using simple random sampling. An interview was realized using a survey that included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), together with socio demographic variables. An assessment of body composition was realized in order to measure height, weight, body mass index (BMI), total fat percentage, and waist and hip circumferences. A trained professional in physical activity was in charge of data collection and anthropometric measurements. This study was approved by the university research and ethics committee. Participation was both voluntary and anonymous. All data were analyzed in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration. Written consent was signed by every participant of the study. A descriptive analysis of the studied population's general characteristics was realized. The association between excessive weight and physical inactivity was estimated using regression logistic models that allows estimate row and adjusted Odds Ratios (OR).

RESULTS

An excessive weight was observed in 26.47% of the students, among which 20.26% were overweight and 6.21% obese, according to BMI cutoff. Taking into account the total fat percentage, 12.09% of the students were in risk of becoming obese and 10.13% were already obese. 50.56% of the students practiced very little weekly physical activity. The median of daily sedentary lifestyle was 12 hours, with an interquartile range of 4 hours. A statistically significant association was found between excessive weight and sedentary behavior, according to the total fat method (adjusted OR: 1.11, CI 95%: 1.01-1.23).

CONCLUSIONS

College students' health behavior is often inadequate in terms of physical activity and dietary habits. Our study observed an association between physical inactivity and excessive weight. Physical inactivity is an important lifestyle factor related to chronic diseases. Further research should focus on determinants to increase their physical activity and to improve their daily lifestyle in order to lower the risk of future diseases.