Physical activity and eating habits among female students from Ukraine

Abstract

Physical activity and eating habits are very important determinants of health. The aim of the study is to demonstrate relationship between the level of activity and eating habits of students. The study involved 1,291 female students with an average age of 19.5, from 12 fields of study of the National University in Lutsk, Ukraine. In order to assess the activity levels the authors applied long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and eating habits were surveyed via a questionnaire prepared at the Institute of Agricultural Medicine in Lublin. With regards to behaviors related to eating habits a significantly higher activity was observed in people suffering from fear of food. In the case of behaviors related to care for the appearance and the figure, a higher physical activity was shown among students performing exercises to reduce and to gain weight. Very insignificant use of the test participants of unhealthy means indicates appropriate health-promoting attitudes of the female students.