Body mass index and its relationship with body composition in a population of university students in the state of Mexico

Abstract

This research was carried out with the objective of determining the association between excess weight and body composition in university students. It is an observational cross-sectional study in a public university of the State of Mexico; 64 students between 19 and 25 years old were included through a simple random sampling. Body composition was assessed based on Anthropometry with written acceptance. The results when analyzing the central obesity in the population showed that 57.81% are normal weight, 29.69% are overweight and 7.81% are obese. Also 50% of men between 20-25 years, have values ≥90 cm waist. In the case of women, the prevalence of a value above that recommended ≥80 cm was greater than 55% since the age of 19. This result indicates that most women are at greater risk from an early age. These preliminary results show how the university population reflects the high rates of overweight and obesity in Mexico. It is necessary to establish plans to prevent and reduce the prevalence of obesity and avoid its impact on chronic diseases in the future.