Multivariant analysis in anthropometric indexes and energy intake in university students

Abstract

Overweight is considered to be an epidemic affecting many individuals worldwide, and its prevention represents a challenge to researchers in the area of public health. The nutritional status of subjects can be inferred from anthropometric indices and energy intake and their association. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric indices and energy intake in university and pre-university students to determine possible differences in morphological and nutritional characteristics that may contribute to the establishment of investigation, health and nutrition policies in the country and universities. A total of 308 male pre-university and university students ranging in age from 16 to 29 years, from the Central University of Venezuela, were studied. Six anthropometric measurements were taken to estimate four anthropometric indices. Calorie intake was calculated using a 24-hour dietary recall. Relationships were determined using multiple correspondence analysis. Relationships were observed in all axes between the modalities of excess and deficient anthropometric indices and energy intake, with the observation of an association between excess weight and excess calorie intake and between deficient energy intake and low weight. Pre-university students presented deficient and low values, whereas university students presented high values, a finding that might be explained by the frequent use of the university refectory by the latter group.