Body mass index and physical activity at students of University of Novi Sad

Aim To determine nutritional status and physical activity among students in Novi Sad. Method This research was conducted among students of the University of Novi Sad in the period from October 2010 to February 2011. The study involved 800 students, the first and final year students (age from 20 to 24). As for sex structure, both genders were equally represented. A questionnaire was designed for this study. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS15. Results Older male students had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) ( = 24.49) in contrast to younger ones ( = 23.36), and younger female students had a slightly higher BMI ( = 20.49) in contrast to older female students ( = 20.37). There was 116 (29%) of overweighed and obese male students, while 62 (15.5%) of female students proved to be underweighted. Physically active was 451 (56.4%) of students. Older students (p<0.01) was more physically active than younger one, 481 (60.1%) and 399 (49.9%), respectively. Physically active students had a higher BMI. Students have a sedentary lifestyle, as 417 (52.1%) students spend more than 2 hours a day in front of the TV and computer.Conclusion Male students were more inclined to obesity and female students to malnutrition. Sedentary lifestyle was also present, and in a larger percentage in senior students. These results point out the necessity of an integrated approach to prevention and control of risk factors, particularly among youth.