Food profile and physical inactivity in university women in the city of Brasília

Abstract

Objective

To analyze the association between the food profile, physical activity and weight status among university women.

Method

This cross-sectional study, included 1.500 Brazilian women. We used a self-administered questionnaire. All questions were obtained from the surveillance of risk and protection factors for chronic diseases survey through telephone interviews. The association was analyzed using chi-square tests and multiple correspondence analysis.

Results

The sample included 1.500 college women, 64.3% aged 20-29 years. Physically active participants consumed more fruit (p<0.01), salad (p<0.01) and vegetables/greens (p<0.01), whereas physically inactive participants consumed more soft drinks (p<0.01), meat with visible fat (p=0.03) and full fat milk (p=0.04). Physically inactive women also had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (p<0.01), high cholesterol (p<0.01) and dyslipidemia (p=0.04).

Conclusion and implication for practice

The students showed behaviors that put their health at risk, where alcohol consumption, low consumption of healthy foods and high prevalence of physical inactivity contributed to an increase in risk factors for chronic diseases. Preventive actions with the participation of a multidisciplinary team will help to improve health in the academic environment.

Keywords:
Women's Health; Exercise; Continuity of Patient Care; Food Consumption; Health Promotion