Anthropometric profile and body composition in university students of animal science
Keywords:
body composition; body mass index; bioelectrical impedance analysis; university students; Animal Science.Abstract
The transition to university life is often accompanied by behavioral changes that can promote a sedentary lifestyle and weight gain, with potential health implications for young adults. In this context, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) serves as a practical alternative for estimating body composition components and complementing anthropometric assessments in university settings. The objective of this research is to describe anthropometric and body composition indicators among students in the Animal Science (Zootecnia) program at the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 27 students (aged 18–25) from the Faculty of Animal Sciences. Weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded; additionally, body fat percentage and muscle mass index (MMI) were estimated using BIA. The analysis was performed using a complete-case approach for each variable (BMI, body fat percentage, and MMI). The main results for the complete-case sample (n = 27) show an average age of 18.59 ± 1.12 years. The mean BMI was 23.95 ± 4.49 kg/m², and the mean body fat percentage was 33.02 ± 7.80%. Based on BMI classification, the "normal" category was the most prevalent (55.6%), followed by "overweight" (22.2%) and "obese" (14.8%). The findings reveal a profile characterized by a significant prevalence of excess weight and adiposity among the students, underscoring the need to strengthen institutional strategies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and providing preventive monitoring of body status within the university population.
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