A comparative study on physical activity, dietary habits, and physical strength according to body fat groups in college students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in physical activity, dietary habits, and physical strength between college students with normal and high body fat. This is a comparative study. In total, 78 people aged 20–29 consented to participate in the study: 48 in the normal body fat group and 30 in the high body fat group. Participants were surveyed on general and health-related characteristics, physical activities, and dietary habits through a questionnaire. Body fat, body mass index, muscular strength, flexibility, and lung capacity were measured. The differences in general and healthrelated characteristics, physical activity, dietary habits, and physical strength between the two groups were examined with the χ2-test and an independent t-test using SPSS 21.0. There were no significant differences on gender, perceived health, and interest in health between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the awareness of body shape, intensity, type and frequency of exercise, muscular strength, flexibility, and lung capacity between two groups. There were no differences in dietary habits between the two groups. The result of this study indicates that physical activity and physical strength have a more direct relationship with body fat than dietary habits. Constant interest and management of body fat is required, especially with regard to physical activity and physical strength. © 2015 SERSC.