Evaluation of Nutritional Knowledge Level and Obesity Status of University Students

Abstract

Introduction: Many factors contribute to obesity, which is an important health problem in the world and in our country. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of nutritional knowledge level on obesity among university students. Methods: The study was conducted with 252 university students. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist, hip circumference) were made and body mass index (BMI) and waist / hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Bioelectrical impedance method was used for body fat analysis. The nutritional knowledge levels of the students were evaluated using the Adult Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale (YETBID). Results: Women had higher body fat ratio (p<0.001). It was observed that 39.7% of male students and 14.3% of female students were obese (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between genders regarding waist circumference measurement and WHR (p>0.001). Smoking and alcohol consumption was higher among males (p<0.05). Basic nutrition and food preference knowledge levels of females were higher than males (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between male and female students' BMI, waist circumference measurements, body fat ratios, WHR, their nutritional knowledge level and food preferences (p>0.05). Conclusions: Although nutritional knowledge level of female students were better, their nutritional knowledge sub-scales, BMI, WHR, waist circumference and body fat ratios did not significantly differ from male students. More research is needed to reveal the effect of nutritional knowledge in preventing obesity.