Analysis of the impact of BMI, VO2max, and waist-to-hip ratio on cardiovascular risk indicators in a university population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v68.114605Keywords:
Body mass index , cardio-vascular disease, maximal oxygen consumption, non- communicable chronic diseases, waist-to-hip ratioAbstract
Introduction: University life entails changes in lifestyle habits that often lead to poor eating patterns, insufficient physical activity, and the use of harmful substances, among others. These factors constitute risk elements for the development of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors for the development of NCDs in undergraduate students from four public universities in Colombia.
Methodology: A quantitative, prospective, observational, descriptive, and correlational cross-sectional study was conducted. From a total population of 31.500 students enrolled in the four institutions in 2023, a probabilistic, multistage sample of 1.922 students (893 men and 1.029 women) with a mean age (SD) of 22,48 (4,6) years was selected. Height, body mass, waist and hip circumferences were measured, and BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were calculated.
Results and discussion: Based on BMI, 16,44% were overweight and 5,2% obese. According to WHR, 4% were at high risk, 8% at medium risk, and 88% at low risk. VO2max was within a healthy range for 93,7%, while 6,3% were at risk. In conclusion, the prevalence of risk factors was 21,64% based on BMI, 8,20% based on WHR, and 12,48% based on VO2max.
Conclusions: A total of 761 students (39,59%) were identified with at least one risk factor for developing CVD; 109 students (5,57%) had two risk factors, and 7 students (0,36%) had all three. These findings highlight the need to implement health promotion and NCD prevention programs in university populations to help modify habits and strengthen protective factors.
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