Association of eating behavior with body mass index and waist circumference in university students

Abstract Background University students often change their eating habits in favor of snacking and intake of calorie-dense food while studying. This study aimed to examine whether the consumption of specific foods is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Methods This research was conducted at the University of Pristina temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia, from November 2018 to March 2019. In this cross-section study participants completed a socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). All students were measured for body weight, height, and waist circumference. A linear regression model was adjusted for age, gender, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, number of daily hours spent sitting, having chronic diseases, PSS, BAI and BDI. Results The study sample consisted of 534 students. Overall, the average BMI was 23.7 ± 4.5. The adjusted model showed that neither the number of fruit and vegetable portions nor the frequency of eating meat, fish and seafood were associated with a lower BMI. The same model confirmed that neither the number of fruit and vegetable portions per day nor the frequency of eating meat, fish and seafood were associated with a lower waist circumference. However, a regular intake of breakfast was associated with a lower waist circumference (B -1.882; 95% confidence interval -3.59, -0.17; p = 0.031). Conclusions Regular intake of breakfast is associated with a lower waist circumference among health sciences students in Northern Kosovo. Providing opportunities for breakfast intake on the school campus should be one of the main goals of the school authorities. Key messages • Regular intake of breakfast may help health sciences students have a lower waist circumference. • Prioritizing breakfast intake can be beneficial for students’ health.