[Evolution of nutritional status in physical education students, associated with the level of cardiovascular risk, food consumption and the level of physical activity].

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of overweight and obesity increases in university students as a consequence of the modification of their eating habits and their level of physical activity. The general objective of this work was to analyze the relationship between the nutritional status of Physical Education students and the level of physical activity, cardiovascular risk and eating habits, during the first three years of the degree.

METHOD

Observational, descriptive and longitudinal section study. 67 students were studied. To assess nutritional status and cardiovascular risk, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (CC) were measured, respectively. To inquire about eating habits, a survey was used based on the recommendations of the dietary guidelines for the Argentine population. To estimate the level of physical activity, the IPAQ International Physical Activity Questionnaire, short format, Spanish version was used.

RESULTS

Students with obesity, obesity, and elevated cardiovascular risk increased during the course of the study. For their part, healthy eating behaviors and a high level of physical activity in women decreased. BMI showed a positive correlation with CC. Healthy food selection in males was correlated with BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

The evolution of the course in Physical Education indicated a progressive increase in the factors associated with obesity. These results would allow directing and promoting legislative actions that update the curriculum of the Physical Education career, according to the social and health needs of this population.