Abstract
Introduction: The beginning of university studies is associated with changes in lifestyle that could create predisposition to the appearance of cardiovascular risk factors. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between two-year changes in the lifestyle and incident elevated Blood Pressure (BP) and central obesity in university students. Materials and Methods: First-year medical students were evaluated in 2017 and 2019. Waist circumference and BP were assessed. A Lifestyle Score (HOLS) was applied that included Body Mass Index, plus four behavioral factors: smoking, alcohol use, fruit/vegetable consumption, and physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression was used with BP and waist circumference in 2019 as dependent variable and HOLS change between 2017 and 2019 as the primary predictor. Results: The prevalence of borderline BP was higher in men than in women in 2017 and unchanged in 2019. The proportion of students with abdominal obesity did not change. In 2017, in both sexes, excess weight, low consumption of fruits and vegetables and little physical activity were highlighted. This determined a low HOLS score (6.2). After two years a decrease in the score was observed in both sexes. A two-year decrease in HOLS was associated with significantly greater odds of incident central obesity as compared to stable HOLS. No associations were observed between variations in HOLS and BP. Conclusion: The applied score is a tool to evaluate the lifestyle of the students. A decrease in HOLS was associated with an increased risk of central obesity. Key words: Lifestyle; blood pressure; central obesity; student.
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