Inappropriate diet and obesity based on view of the student population

Abstract

In accordance with their obligations in college, students spend most of their days outside the home. It can lead to irregular and improper diet. The student population tends to consume high-energy, nutrient-poor foods, as well as neglecting meals, usually breakfast. This results in an increasing number of young people who have body-weight problems. The aim of this research was to determine students' attitudes about diet that can lead to obesity, as well as informing students about the consequences of obesity. There were 56 students of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, involved in the study. The research was carried out using anonymous questionnaire. The results of the study showed that a large number of students surveyed considered that they were obese and that obesity was a disease that could be treated in a healthy way. This study suggests that the student population should be offered education in this regard, since most of them are not familiar with the nutritional composition of a food before consuming it, as well as its "body mass index" and "body volume index". On the other hand, the students surveyed are aware of the particular risks that can lead to the onset of obesity, as well as the diseases that can arise as a result of being overweight. In addition, they consider the occurrence of obesity is a major problem not only in the world, but also in Serbia. This research is part of a study entitled "Attitudes and behaviors of students in relation to food and nutrition" and is a form of preventive action to combat the onset of obesity in the student population.