Anthropometry and Body Composition in University Students: Implications for the Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

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

Resumen

The university stage is a critical period for establishing eating habits that can influence the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. The impact of these eating patterns on anthropometric indicators and body composition in the university population remains poorly documented and shows mixed results. The refore, the objective of this study was to evaluate anthropometric measurements and body composition according to sex in university students as relevant indicators for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases.University students (n = 47) between the ages of 18 and 22 were evaluated. They were classified by sex: women (n = 38) and men (n = 9). Measurements included weight, height, circumferences, and skinfolds, as well as indirect parameters, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test (p < 0.05).Differences were observed between the sexes: men had larger body circumferences and a higher waist-to-hip ratio, while women had higher percentages of fat massand larger skinfolds. In conclusion, significant differences were found according t o sex, reflecting a more centralized distribution of fat in men, while women showed greater subcutaneous adiposity and a higher percentage of fat mass. The se findings reinforce the importance of considering these differences with a preventive approach to the development of chronic non-communicable diseases.