Abstract
Background: Obesity and overweight affect a large proportion of the world’s population. Increasingly, this problem can be observed among young adults. The aim of the study was to identify the motivations and barriers to healthy eating habits among young Poles, the relationship between physical activity and healthy eating and the impact of healthy eating on the body composition of the young. Methods: The method used in the research was a diagnostic survey using direct personal interviews. The research was conducted in the years 2016–2019 on a group of 399 young Poles aged 18–26. Their body composition was analyzed by determining resistance and reactance using the biological impedance method, with a TANITA SC-330ST Body Composition Analyzer. Results and conclusion: The main reasons for healthy eating among young Poles are the intent to follow a doctor’s recommendations, to lose weight and to live a healthy lifestyle and to follow a trend. On the other hand, the largest barriers to proper nutrition are: lack of time to prepare healthy meals and of financial resources, inability to prepare meals and limited knowledge of the principles of healthy eating. The eating behavior varied significantly in relation to the physical activity of the respondents. Active people’s eating habits were the best, and those of sedentary people the worst. Healthy eaters also had normal body composition indicators (adipose tissue level, BMI, body type). Young adults should be educated on the principles of healthy eating and have access to healthy food in canteens and vending machines, both at work and at university.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
A global study on nutrition conducted in 195 countries by more than 130 scientists from 40 countries showed that statistically every fifth person in the world dies from unhealthy eating [1]
The eating behaviors varied significantly due to the physical activity of the respondents
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. A global study on nutrition conducted in 195 countries by more than 130 scientists from 40 countries showed that statistically every fifth person in the world dies from unhealthy eating [1]. As reported by Wang et al, an important goal of the Asian National Health. Promotion Movement in the 21st century is to increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits and maintain a balanced diet. The organization reports the need to monitor eating patterns in societies [2]. Consumption of food according to nutritional standards aims to prevent diseases associated with both energy and nutrient deficiencies and the harmful effects of excess [3]. Non-chemically processed foods is important [4]
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