Eating habits and body-weights of students of the university of belgrade, serbia: a cross-sectional study

J Health Popul Nutr. 2013 Sep;31(3):330-3. doi: 10.3329/jhpn.v31i3.16824.

Abstract

The purpose of this survey was to quantify the prevalence of overweight and obesity among a sample of students in Belgrade University, Serbia and to describe their main eating habits. A total of 1,624 questionnaire responses were analyzed (response rate 97.3%). The students were recruited during mandatory annual check-ups in April-June 2009. All subjects completed the questionnaire; height (in cm) and weight (in km) were measured by two physicians. Results were assessed statistically. Almost every fourth male student was overweight. Strikingly, 15% of female students were underweight. Highly-significant difference was found between average body mass index (BMI) of male and female students (F=317.8, p=0.001). Students' BMI did not correlate with average family income or with the frequency of taking breakfast (p=-0.064, p=0.152 for males and p=0.034, p=0.282 for females respectively). There is a growing demand for global health strategies which would encourage healthy body-image and figure; thus, these initiatives should mobilize the society on a national and international level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight / physiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Overweight / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Serbia / epidemiology
  • Sex Distribution
  • Students / psychology
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thinness / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult