The effect of skipping meals and daily activities of university students regarding the body mass index (BMI)

Background: If we assume that the group of 18-24 years old young people are university students, their proper eating habits present social importance for their own health. With this present study it was aimed to determine the effect of eating habits and daily activity situations of university students regarding obesity. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional type study has been carried out in the Health College of the Hitit University. No sample selection was performed, the sample consisted of students visiting the school during the study dates (10- 21.03.2014) and participated voluntarily (n=197) in the study. Questionnaires were used as data collection tool. The data was evaluated with appropriate statistical methods. p<0.05 has been accepted as statistically significant. Results: 73.1% of the students, participating in the study were female and 26,9% male. The overweight and obesity frequency rate of female students (16%) was lower in comparison to male students (17%), whereas the students’ BMI average was 22.595±3.57. 13.7% of participating students were thin and 8.5% obese. It was seen that 68% of participants in the study skip meals and 28.9% eat 1-2 m eals per day. Additionally it was determined that students’ skipping meal status is according to the BMI classification statistically significant (p<0.05). Apart from this it was stated that 90.7% of students are doing ≤2 hours/week sports. Conclusions: If we assume that one out of every three student is overweight/obese and that the majority do not have a proper nutrition and sport habit, it reveals the importance of BMI screenings and trainings regar ding eating habits in school.