Food intake and body weight: analysis of a representative sample of Brazilian male university students

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the food intake and body weight of Brazilian university students. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 375 students (from all areas of knowledge) from a public university in Minas Gerais, who, in 2019, answered a validated questionnaire, and the data were analyzed in the SPSS. Results: 61,3% (n=230) of the participants were at ideal weight. It’s noteworthy that 31,5% (n=118) of the interviewees were overweight. Although 42,6% (n=163) of them perceived that they were at the right weight, when the other categories (underweight or overweight) are added, 57,4% (n=212) of the students perceived their weight as not ideal; and 48,2% (n=194) were trying to change their weight. Most of them were not on a diet; physical exercises; use of laxatives or slimming pills. Most of them consumed fruits and vegetables cooked the day before the survey. Regarding hypercaloric foods, most students did not consume them, and most of them consumed sugary foods on the day before the research. Conclusion: Good eating habits were observed among university students, but some of them perceived their weight as not ideal. Although few report that they do anything to lose weight, you should pay attention to this behavior to reduce risks. By understanding these practices in a population that seeks health services less, preventive and educational measures can be planned, highlighting the University as an important space and support network together with other sectors of society, for the promotion of the health of this group, considering their particularities and needs.