Anthropometry and Body Composition in University Students: Implications for Prevention

Antropometría y composición corporal en estudiantes universitarios: implicancias para la prevención

Abstract

The university stage constitutes a critical period for the establishment of dietary habits that may influence the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. The impact of these dietary patterns on anthropometric indicators and body composition in the university population remains poorly documented and shows mixed results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess anthropometric measurements and body composition according to sex and type of diet in university students.

University students aged 18 to 22 years were evaluated. An observational and cross-sectional design was applied. Measurements included weight, height, circumferences, and skinfolds, as well as indirect parameters such as body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio. For the statistical analysis, Student’s t-tests were used with a significance level of p < 0.05.

A total of 47 individuals were studied. They were classified by sex women (n=38) and men (n=9) and by diet type omnivorous (n=35) and vegetarian/ovo-lacto-vegetarian (n=12). Differences were observed between sexes: men presented larger body circumferences and higher waist-to-hip ratio, while women showed higher percentages of fat mass, lean mass, and greater skinfold thicknesses. Regarding diet type, no statistically significant differences were found; however, certain trends were observed.

In conclusion, differences in anthropometric and body composition measurements were found among university students, reflecting a more central fat distribution in men, whereas women exhibited greater subcutaneous adiposity and higher fat mass percentage. These findings reinforce the importance of considering such differences from a preventive perspective.