Evaluation of the body mass index in students of the ¨UNIANDES¨ law school

Abstract

Introduction: obesity and overweight in young people increase metabolic risks, reflecting poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles; it is urgent to promote prevention from educational and social contexts.Objective: to assess the factors that influence the nutritional status of students of the Uniandes Law School.Methods: a mixed study, with an exploratory approach, was carried out among UNIANDES Law students. A sample of 50 students, who signed the informed consent form, was randomly selected. The research combined quantitative and qualitative methods, allowing the analysis of both numerical data on overweight and obesity and the participants' perceptions and knowledge of their eating habits and lifestyle.Results: 50 % of the students were between 17 and 20 years old, and 92 % had no hereditary diseases or conditions. Nutritional status showed that 44 % had a normal weight, but only 42 % knew their body mass index and importance. Regarding physical activity, 43 % exercised once or twice a week, with soccer (35 %) and dance therapy (20 %) as the main modalities. Regarding food, 52 % ate a healthy diet, while 42 % consumed junk food on a daily basis. Fifty-four percent preferred fruits and vegetables, and 60 % ate between three and four meals a day.Conclusions: non-compliance with healthy eating habits and lack of physical activity in UNIANDES law students can cause serious metabolic diseases.